Wildlife Feeding: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Feeding wildlife in San Diego is discouraged and may be cited as a nuisance. It is illegal to feed or care for stray animals without notifying authorities. California Fish and Game Code protections apply to native wildlife. The City's urban-wildland interface with canyons creates frequent wildlife encounters with coyotes, raccoons, and raptors. Handling wild animals without proper permits is prohibited.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos prohibits the intentional feeding of coyotes and other predatory wildlife. Residents must secure trash, pet food, and other attractants to minimize wildlife encounters. The city is home to coyotes, raccoons, and other urban wildlife, and feeding these animals creates public safety hazards and encourages habituation to residential areas.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Policy | Feeding wildlife discouraged; may constitute nuisance | - |
| Stray Animals | Must notify authorities before feeding/caring | - |
| Wildlife Handling | Prohibited without state permits | - |
| Coyotes | Active management in canyon-adjacent neighborhoods | - |
| State Law | CA Fish and Game Code wildlife protections | - |
| Coyote Feeding | - | Prohibited |
| Trash Storage | - | Secure containers with lids required |
| Pet Food | - | Do not leave outdoors overnight |
| Wildlife Emergencies | - | Sheriff (760) 510-5200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
Is it legal to feed birds in my yard?
Feeding songbirds in your yard is generally allowed, but feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance (attracting coyotes, raccoons, etc.) can result in code enforcement action.
What should I do about injured wildlife?
Contact the San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife at 619-299-7012 or a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to handle wild animals yourself.
San Marcos FAQ
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in San Marcos?
Yes. Intentionally feeding coyotes and other predatory wildlife is prohibited. This includes leaving food out that is known to attract them.
What should I do if I see a coyote in my neighborhood?
Do not approach or feed the animal. Make loud noises to scare it away. Report frequent sightings to San Marcos Code Enforcement or the San Diego County coyote tracking program.
Can I feed feral cats in San Marcos?
Feral cat feeding should follow San Diego County trap-neuter-return guidelines. Unmanaged feeding stations that attract wildlife may be subject to code enforcement action.
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