Wildlife Feeding: Ontario vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario discourages wildlife feeding under its nuisance rules and CA F and G Code 251.1. Intentional feeding of coyotes, raccoons, and similar wildlife can be declared a public nuisance and attractants must be removed.
View full Ontario rules →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga prohibits intentional feeding of coyotes and wildlife that creates a nuisance. Etiwanda and Alta Loma foothills are active coyote and bobcat corridors.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | CA F and G Code 251.1 | - |
| Coyote Feeding | Discouraged and often illegal | - |
| Local Tool | Nuisance abatement | - |
| Bird Feeders | Allowed if kept clean | - |
| Main Concern | Pet food and open trash attractants | - |
| Prohibited | - | Intentional feeding of coyotes, bears, deer |
| High-Risk Areas | - | Alta Loma and Etiwanda foothills |
| State Agency | - | CDFW backs enforcement |
| Approach | - | Haze, don't feed |
| Fine | - | Starts at $100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can I feed the coyotes I see in my neighborhood?
No. Feeding coyotes is treated as illegal harassment under state law and as a nuisance under city code. It habituates them and increases the risk of attacks on pets and people.
Are bird feeders allowed in Ontario?
Yes if kept clean and not attracting nuisance wildlife like rats, raccoons, or skunks. Remove feeders if they cause complaints.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I feed the deer or coyotes in Alta Loma?
No. Intentional wildlife feeding is prohibited because it creates habituation and public safety risk, especially in the foothill neighborhoods near the wildland-urban interface.
What about bird feeders?
Bird feeders are allowed if they don't attract rodents, raccoons, or coyotes. If your feeder causes a wildlife nuisance, Code Enforcement may ask you to remove it.
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