California Wildlife Laws: Is It Illegal to Feed Squirrels in Your Backyard in California?

Feeding wildlife can be a delightful way to connect with nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of animals up close. Squirrels, with their lively antics and curious nature, often become the focus of backyard feeding enthusiasts. However, in California, feeding squirrels is not simply a harmless pastime; it carries legal and environmental considerations that every resident should understand. This article explores whether it is illegal to feed squirrels in your backyard in California, outlining the laws, reasons behind them, and the potential consequences of disregarding these regulations.

Understanding California Wildlife Feeding Laws

California has specific laws regulating the feeding of wildlife, including squirrels, to protect both the animals and the environment. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) governs these regulations with the primary goal of maintaining healthy ecosystems and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. Feeding squirrels and other wild animals is often discouraged or prohibited because it can disrupt natural behaviors, harm animals, and create public nuisances.

In many California cities and counties, local ordinances explicitly ban or restrict feeding wildlife. These ordinances complement state laws and reflect community concerns about safety, health, and wildlife management. Therefore, even if state laws don’t uniformly prohibit feeding squirrels, local laws may impose strict rules or penalties.

Reasons Feeding Squirrels Is Often Prohibited

Feeding squirrels may seem like a benign activity, but it has significant ecological and public safety implications. Here are the primary reasons why feeding squirrels is discouraged or illegal in many parts of California:

Disruption of Natural Foraging Behavior – Wild animals, including squirrels, have evolved to forage and hunt for their natural diet. When humans feed them, it can cause nutritional imbalances because squirrels may rely too heavily on processed or unsuitable foods. This disruption can weaken their ability to survive independently in the wild.
Increased Aggression and Dependence – Squirrels habituated to human feeding can become aggressive, expecting food and approaching people or pets aggressively. This behavior risks bites and scratches, which may transmit diseases.
Spread of Disease – Food left out for squirrels can invite many animals and insects, creating overcrowded conditions that facilitate the spread of diseases such as mange, rabies, and parasites. Feeding can also attract rodents and pests, which can harm local residents’ health.
Environmental Damage – Feeding leads to unnatural population increases or congregation of squirrels in areas not suited to support large numbers. This can result in damage to gardens, trees, and landscaping, impacting neighborhood aesthetics and ecosystem balance.
Attraction of Predators – When squirrels gather in one area due to feeding, they can attract predators like hawks, coyotes, and raccoons, increasing predation risk and creating safety concerns for domestic pets.

Overview of California State Law on Feeding Wildlife

California Fish and Game Code addresses feeding wildlife with specific provisions curtailing certain practices:

It is generally unlawful to willfully feed wildlife in a way that causes them to remain in an area where they might cause damage or be at risk.
Feeding animals such as deer, mountain lions, and bears is explicitly banned in many regions to prevent habituation and conflict.
While the code is less explicit about small mammals like squirrels, the state encourages avoiding feeding to protect ecosystems balanced by natural behaviors.
Violations of feeding prohibitions can lead to fines and penalties, especially when food feeding results in property damage or public health issues.

Local Municipal and County Ordinances

Local California jurisdictions often supplement state laws with stricter rules concerning feeding squirrels:

Some cities impose fines for feeding any wildlife, including squirrels, in urban parks or residential areas.
Counties in wildfire-prone regions may ban feeding to reduce human-wildlife interactions that could cause accidents or disease spread.
Park districts frequently prohibit feeding wildlife on public lands to preserve park habitats and ensure visitor safety.
Homeowners associations and neighborhood groups also may impose covenants restricting wildlife feeding.

Potential Consequences of Illegal Feeding

Feeding squirrels illegally or ignoring local laws can result in various consequences:

Monetary fines vary by city and county but can be substantial to deter offenders.
Increased risks from aggressive or diseased squirrels toward humans and pets.
Property damage costs from squirrel infestations encouraged by feeding.
Contribution to imbalanced local ecosystems reducing biodiversity and harming native species.

Best Practices for Wildlife Enjoyment Without Feeding

If interested in observing squirrels and wildlife, there are responsible ways to enjoy their presence:

Use binoculars or cameras to watch squirrels from a distance instead of feeding them.
Create natural habitat-friendly backyards by planting native trees and shrubs that provide natural food sources like nuts and berries.
Educate neighbors and community members about the importance of not feeding squirrels and other wildlife.
Support local conservation and wildlife organizations promoting coexistence strategies.

Conclusion

In California, feeding squirrels in your backyard is generally discouraged and often restricted or illegal under state laws and local ordinances. Due to concerns about wildlife health, human safety, ecological balance, and environmental damage, it is important for residents and visitors to understand and abide by these regulations. Instead of feeding, appreciating squirrels through observation and habitat-friendly practices serves both people and wildlife better. By respecting California’s wildlife feeding laws, communities can foster healthier coexistence with nature and enjoy the lively presence of backyard squirrels responsibly and safely.