Wildlife Feeding: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
The County Ordinance Code does not contain a specific prohibition on feeding wildlife in unincorporated San Mateo County. County agencies strongly advise against feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals because it draws predators and creates nuisances. Intentionally interfering with certain wildlife is also restricted by California state law.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Wildlife feeding in San Mateo is discouraged through the city's nuisance provisions and California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 which prohibits feeding big game mammals. San Mateo County Animal Control handles wildlife complaints. Leaving food that attracts rodents or pest wildlife may be cited as a nuisance.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| County feeding ban | No specific prohibition found in the County Ordinance Code | - |
| County guidance | Do not feed wildlife; secure garbage, pet food, fallen fruit | - |
| Why | Attracts coyotes and mountain lions; animals may turn aggressive | - |
| Nuisance angle | Feeding that attracts pests can be a code-enforcement nuisance | - |
| State law | CA Fish & Game law restricts feeding/harassing certain wildlife | - |
| State Law | - | CA Fish & Game Code §251.1 |
| Wildlife Contact | - | Peninsula Humane Society — 650-340-7022 |
| Vector Control | - | SM County Environmental Health |
| Common Wildlife | - | Raccoons, coyotes, deer |
| City Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement — 650-522-7200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer or coyotes in unincorporated San Mateo County?
The County Ordinance Code does not contain a specific wildlife-feeding ban that we could confirm. County agencies strongly advise against feeding wildlife because it attracts predators like coyotes and mountain lions and can make animals aggressive. Feeding that creates a nuisance, or feeding protected wildlife under state law, can still trigger enforcement.
Why does the County discourage feeding wildlife?
The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District warns that feeding wildlife, or leaving out garbage, pet food, or fallen fruit, encourages animals to linger, draws larger predators, and can make animals that associate people with food become aggressive, creating safety and public-health risks.
San Mateo FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer in San Mateo?
Yes. California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits feeding big game mammals including deer.
Who handles wildlife complaints in San Mateo?
Contact the Peninsula Humane Society at 650-340-7022 for wildlife issues. For rodent and pest problems, contact San Mateo County Environmental Health.
Can I be fined for feeding raccoons?
While not specifically prohibited by name, feeding wildlife that creates nuisance conditions can be cited under the city's nuisance provisions.
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