Wildlife Feeding: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Feeding wildlife in San Bernardino is discouraged and often prohibited under nuisance and public-health rules. Coyotes, bears, and mountain lions from the San Bernardino foothills can be drawn into neighborhoods.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | SBMC 8.30 nuisance |
| State Reference | - | CDFW policy discourages feeding |
| Common Issues | - | Coyotes, bears, raccoons |
| Best Practice | - | No pet food outside overnight |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I feed deer in my yard?
Feeding deer is strongly discouraged and can be cited as a nuisance because it draws mountain lions and coyotes into neighborhoods.
Are bird feeders allowed?
Generally yes, but poorly maintained feeders can draw rats and raccoons and then be treated as a nuisance.
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