Question: I have been warned three times this year by a Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputy that the next time I am caught feeding squirrels at the local park, I will get a ticket. The deputy stated they enforce state regulations. However, I fed them foods that are safe; food from pet stores such as pigeon feed, and raw unshelled peanuts. There are no signs posted in the park where I visit but I was told it's still a violation.

There are really no food sources for these animals at the park and I don't want to see malnourished animals. Please let me know the specific law covering this subject since I have not been able to find it online. I will abide by whatever the law says. This may seem to be an unimportant matter, but to me as a senior it becomes a quality of life issue. Thank you.

Answer: The deputy is correct. By feeding wildlife, you are likely disrupting the animal's normal behavior patterns in violation of California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 251.1. Some local ordinances also prohibit feeding wildlife.

It's important to understand why you should not feed wildlife. Feeding brings animals into close proximity with each other, which puts them at greater risk of exposure to diseases and the droppings of the other animals, especially from large populations of birds in a relatively small area. If the animals expect the food, they will stay in the area and may create a public health and water quality issue. Also, even the healthiest pet food and seeds they get from people could never duplicate the diet they would get eating the food found in their natural environment. If the natural food supply in an area decreases, that is a signal to the animals to move to a different area.