Wildlife Feeding: Santa Paula vs Ventura
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Ventura, CA?
Santa Paula and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula prohibits the intentional feeding of coyotes, bears, deer, and other wildlife that may create nuisance or safety hazards. Residents must secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife. The Santa Clara River corridor brings wildlife close to residential areas.
View full Santa Paula rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura does not have a stand-alone city ordinance banning wildlife feeding, but state regulation does the work. California Code of Regulations Title 14 §251.1 defines harassment of any game or non-game bird or mammal to include intentional acts that disrupt normal behavior patterns - including feeding - making it unlawful to feed deer, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, skunks, opossums, squirrels, and most wild birds (other than at compliant bird feeders). The rule is enforced by CDFW Wildlife Officers and carries fines up to roughly $1,000 per violation. Feeding mountain lions, bears, or coyotes additionally creates a public-safety nuisance that the City may abate under SBMC Div. 7 (Public Health and Safety). Migratory bird feeders are not banned but must not create unsanitary conditions, attract rodents, or violate the City's nuisance, refuse, or zoning provisions. Intentional feeding of wildlife on City parks/beaches is also restricted under Div. 11 (Public Parks, Beaches and Street Trees) rules.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Paula | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Feeding coyotes, bears, deer, wildlife | - |
| Trash | Must be secured with lids | - |
| Pet Food | Bring indoors at night | - |
| Fallen Fruit | Pick up regularly | - |
| Wildlife Line | Animal Services (805) 388-4341 | - |
| State rule | - | CCR Title 14 §251.1 - harassment includes feeding |
| Typical fine | - | Up to ~$1,000 per violation |
| Mountain lion feeding | - | Misdemeanor - fully protected species |
| Migratory bird feeders | - | Allowed if no rodent attractant |
| Outdoor pet food | - | Effectively prohibited if it sustains wildlife |
| Enforcement | - | CDFW + City Code Enforcement + County Animal Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Paula FAQ
Can I feed wildlife in Santa Paula?
No, intentionally feeding coyotes, bears, deer, and other wildlife is prohibited. You must also secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife.
What should I do about coyotes near my home?
Secure trash, bring pet food inside, pick up fallen citrus fruit, and supervise small pets outdoors. Report aggressive coyotes to Ventura County Animal Services at (805) 388-4341.
Can I feed feral cats?
Maintaining feral cat colonies on private property is not permitted. Contact Ventura County Animal Services for TNR (trap-neuter-return) program information.
Ventura FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer or coyotes in Ventura?
Yes. CCR Title 14 §251.1 makes intentional feeding of game or non-game birds and mammals - including deer, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and skunks - unlawful as a form of harassment. Fines can reach $1,000.
Can I keep a backyard bird feeder?
Yes, songbird feeders are generally allowed. Keep them clean, do not allow seed to attract rats or pigeons in nuisance numbers, and remove them if a bear or other large mammal becomes habituated.
Can I leave food out for stray cats?
Caring for owned cats is fine. Sustained outdoor feeding stations that draw wildlife (raccoons, skunks, coyotes) become a code-enforcement issue under SBMC Div. 7 and can be cited as public nuisance. Trap-Neuter-Return programs should coordinate with Ventura County Animal Services.
What if a coyote keeps coming into my yard?
Remove attractants: secure trash, bring pet food inside, harvest fallen fruit. Report aggressive coyotes to CDFW (Wildlife Incident Reporting) and Ventura Police; feeding the animal worsens the problem and is itself unlawful.
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