Feeding Wildlife Has Consequences

Though often well-intentioned, feeding wildlife draws coyotes closer to homes. When coyotes lose their natural caution around humans, they pose a threat to both people and pets.

Feeding birds, squirrels and other wild animals is also prohibited. Birdseed on the ground attracts songbirds but also coyotes and their prey. Squirrels, no matter how cute, can carry rabies and plague. What starts as a kind gesture quickly becomes a neighborhood hazard.

Feeding wildlife is illegal in California. Within the Village, both Third and United mutuals prohibit feeding or attracting animals, and the City of Laguna Woods Municipal Code also forbids it. Laguna Beach Police Department Animal Services responds to reports of wildlife feeding and enforces these rules.

If you see wildlife feeding in progress, call Security Services at 949-580-1400. Calls may be anonymous. You can also report wildlife feeding or leash-law violations anonymously to the Compliance Division hotline at 949-268-CALL.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below. 

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