Wildlife Feeding: Rancho Cucamonga vs Rialto
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Rancho Cucamonga | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
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