Washington Statewide Rule
Feeding Bears, Cougars and Wolves in Washington
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 77.15.792 / 77.15.790
- Covered animals
- Bear, cougar, wolf
- Intentional feeding
- Misdemeanor
- Negligent attractant
- Warning, then infraction
- Enforced by
- WDFW, animal control
Summary
Washington bans intentionally feeding or attracting large wild carnivores, bears, cougars and wolves, to any land or building, and treats a first intentional violation as a misdemeanor under RCW 77.15.792.
(1) A person may not intentionally feed or attempt to feed large wild carnivores or intentionally attract large wild carnivores to land or a building. (2) A person who intentionally feeds, attempts to feed, or attracts large wild carnivores to land or a building is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
RCW 77.15.792 makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally feed, attempt to feed, or attract large wild carnivores (wild bear, cougar and wolf) to land or a building. The companion statute, RCW 77.15.790, covers negligently leaving food, food waste or garbage that draws these animals: a Fish and Wildlife officer or animal control authority first issues a written warning to remove the attractant within two days, and ignoring that warning becomes a civil infraction. Farming, licensed waste facilities, hunting and WDFW operations are exempt.
Violations & Penalties
A first intentional feeding is a misdemeanor; negligent attractant cases start with a written removal warning, and failing to comply within two days is a civil infraction enforced by WDFW officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed bears in Washington?
What happens if garbage attracts a bear?
Does this cover deer or birds?
Sources
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