Wildlife Feeding: Ontario vs Rialto
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto has no standalone municipal ordinance banning wildlife feeding, but feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons and other wild mammals is regulated statewide under California Fish & Game Code § 251.1 (harassment) and 14 CCR § 251.3, which prohibits intentionally feeding big game mammals. Attracting wildlife that becomes a public nuisance is independently abatable under Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 / Title 8 (Health & Sanitation).
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State rule | - | 14 CCR § 251.3 (no feeding big-game mammals) |
| Harassment | - | Cal. F&G Code § 251.1 |
| Local hook | - | RMC Title 6 / Title 8 nuisance abatement |
| Report | - | CDFW 1-888-334-CALTIP |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I feed the coyotes / raccoons in my Rialto yard?
No. Intentionally feeding big-game mammals violates 14 CCR § 251.3, and feeding coyotes/raccoons food-conditions them into a public-safety hazard that Rialto can abate as a nuisance under Title 6 / Title 8.
Are bird feeders allowed?
Yes, bird feeders are not prohibited, but if your feeder attracts rats, pigeons or larger wildlife it can be cited as a nuisance under Rialto's health and sanitation rules. Use squirrel/rodent-proof feeders and clean spillage daily.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and Rialto compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool