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City of Sedona Passes New Wildlife Feeding Ordinance

This article submitted by the city of Sedona.

Sedona AZ – In an effort to protect the welfare and safety of both the public and wildlife, on April 11, 2023, the Sedona city council passed a new wildlife feeding ordinance intended to provide guidelines and rules for the safe feeding of wildlife.

Highlights of the ordinance include:
• It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feed wildlife or to attract wildlife by placing/leaving edible material in a location accessible to wildlife, such as in a trash can or left out as animal food. This includes, but is not limited to feeding javalinas, skunks and coyotes.
• There are exemptions for safe and responsible feeding of birds, squirrels, horses and domestic animals like dogs and cats. An example is a bird feeder placed at least four feet above the ground.
• Fines will be given for repeat violations after receiving a written warning. Fines range from $150 to $500.
• The ordinance becomes effective on May 11, 2023.

Feeding wildlife can attract animals that are not accustomed to interacting with humans, which can result in damage to property, bites or attacks, and may be an annoyance to property owners. The intentional, negligent or reckless placing or storing of edible material or garbage contributes to these issues and the frequency of wildlife/human contact.

Wildlife needs to depend on their own ability to find and utilize natural foods. Human food is usually not formulated to be eaten by wildlife and can be unhealthy for the animals. Feeding wildlife can concentrate wildlife in small areas and increase animal-to-animal contact, which can lead to the spreading of diseases and parasites, such as distemper and rabies.

Rabies is relatively common in the skunks, foxes, and raccoons in the Sedona area.

Remember to keep wildlife wild and for information about living with wildlife, go to the Arizona Game and Fish website at www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/.

Read the city of Sedona wildlife feeding ordinance here: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/49095/638169973412130000

8 Comments

  1. Sedona Donna says:

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrpoQoxLXyX/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

    Don’t download the app but do enjoy the laughs

  2. Grazina Dubyak, Sedona visitor says:

    Pretty places hot dry for skin, did not see wild animals three days here.

  3. Rosalind, Dry Creek says:

    No animal needs human food and the fines should be higher and the act criminalized. People here don’t respect wildlife or domesticated animals and there should be no domesticated animals allowed on paths or trails or in city limits without being on leashes or in carriers. It’s too hot for domesticated animals to be outside or traveling in vehicles.

  4. Windy City says:

    the existence of rules is a joke governators need to get real jobs

  5. Wildlife and Climate Doing Fine says:

    Heard a weather forecast that was ridiculous and won’t pay attention to government sponsored climate panic again. They tried to promote climate warming when California got record rains and low temperatures and lots of snow. In fact speak, it means we’re experiencing typical earth days. You need to grow up and understand when you’re being yanked by the proverbial chain.

    Death Valley is famous as the hottest place on earth and driest place in North America. The world record highest air temperature of 134°F (57°C) was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. Summer temperatures often top 120°F (49°C) in the shade with overnight lows dipping into the 90s°F (mid-30s°C.)Jan 27, 2023
    https://www.nps.gov › learn › nature
    Weather – Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

  6. Neron says:

    Protect Wildlife

  7. Chuck says:

    knock the snot out of gates

  8. Alice, CV says:

    Classic Same Old

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