Crows are a common sight in many neighborhoods, recognizable by their black feathers and loud caws. You may enjoy watching crows or even want to attract them by leaving food out. But is it actually legal to feed crows? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: In most places, it is legal to feed crows, but there may be local ordinances prohibiting it in some areas.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine the broader laws around feeding wildlife at the federal, state, and local levels. We’ll look at the reasons feeding crows may be restricted in certain areas. We’ll also provide tips for safely and responsibly feeding crows if you choose to do so.
Federal Laws Related to Feeding Crows
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1918 to protect migratory birds in the United States. It makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell over 1,000 species of migratory birds, their feathers, eggs, and nests, without a permit issued by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
The law considers crows to be migratory birds, so feeding crows could potentially violate the MBTA if it constitutes a form of illegal “take.” However, the MBTA does not explicitly prohibit feeding birds. It is aimed more at activities like poaching and hunting.
Simple acts like putting out bird feeders are not violations. Still, intentionally feeding large numbers of crows in a way that could be harmful to them may cross the line into illegal take. For example, leaving out food that is unhealthy for crows, or doing so in a busy roadway where crows could be hit by vehicles when feeding, could potentially violate the MBTA.
The Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 provides protections for species at risk of extinction. There are over 1,600 species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. While the American crow is quite abundant and not protected under the ESA, there are some rarer crow species that are listed, such as the Hawaiian crow.
Under the ESA, it is prohibited to “take” a listed animal without a permit, including significantly disrupting essential behavioral patterns like feeding and breeding.
If someone was intentionally feeding an endangered species of crow in a way that disrupted its natural behaviors to a significant degree, it could potentially be considered illegal take under the ESA.
But generally, the impacts would have to be very direct and severe to warrant potential ESA violations. Casually feeding more common crow species like American crows is unlikely to cause any issues with ESA protections for rarer species.
State Laws Regulating Feeding Wildlife
General State Restrictions
Many states have laws that restrict or prohibit the feeding of wildlife, including crows. These laws are intended to protect both wildlife and people by reducing the spread of disease, preventing dangerous human-wildlife interactions, and avoiding situations where animals become dependent on supplemental feeding.
Some common statewide restrictions include:
- Banning the feeding of certain species like deer, bears, and waterfowl
- Prohibiting feeding wildlife within a certain distance of roads, trails, and homes
- Requiring that feeders and food waste be properly contained and secured
- Restricting the types of foods that can be used to feed wildlife
- Making it illegal to intentionally feed predators like coyotes and foxes
These laws typically include exceptions for backyard bird feeding and completely prohibit feeding alligators, big game mammals, and endangered species. Fines for violating wildlife feeding regulations range from $50 to $500 in most states.
Specific State Laws Regarding Crows
Only a handful of states have laws that directly address feeding crows. Here are a few examples:
- Washington – Illegal to feed crows during nesting season from March 1 to August 31. Up to a $1,000 fine.
- Vermont – Feeding wild crows is prohibited year-round and punishable by fines up to $100.
- Massachusetts – Unlawful to leave or place food out to feed crows. Up to a $50 fine.
- Wisconsin – Prohibits feeding crows within 10 miles of a landfill. Up to a $200 fine.
- Oregon – unlawful to provide food, salt licks, or attractants to attract any game mammals including crows. Up to a $435 fine.
Most other states either lack crow-specific regulations or lump crows into broader prohibitions against feeding wildlife or game animals. However, many cities and municipalities have local ordinances banning crow feeding even if the state does not.
| State | Law Summary | Fine Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Illegal during nesting season | $1,000 |
| Vermont | Prohibited year-round | $100 |
| Massachusetts | Unlawful to leave food out | $50 |
When in doubt, check your local and state wildlife regulations before putting out food for crows. Breaking these laws can result in stiff penalties, even for well-meaning crow enthusiasts. For more details, visit sites like Animal Law.
Local Ordinances on Feeding Birds and Wildlife
Local governments often have ordinances in place regulating the feeding of wildlife, including birds like crows. These laws vary widely between different towns and cities. However, some common reasons for restrictions include:
Preventing Nuisance Behavior
Feeding birds can unfortunately encourage nuisance behavior like excessive noise, droppings, or property damage. For example, large crowds of crows or pigeons drawn to free food can be disruptive for neighborhoods. Laws may prohibit feeding that creates these issues.
Limiting Dependence on Humans
Feeding wildlife can lead populations to become dependent on human food sources. If people then suddenly stop providing food, it can be problematic for the animals. Regulations aim to prevent this unintended consequence.
Reducing Spread of Disease
Areas where birds congregate for supplemental feeding can enable diseases to easily spread between individuals. Restrictions try to limit these gathering hotspots to protect both wild and domestic bird health.
Protecting Water Quality
Bird droppings ending up in waterways can reduce water quality. Rules prohibiting feeding near lakes, rivers, beaches, etc. help avoid this contamination.
Preserving Natural Behaviors
Abundant food from humans may lead some birds to spend less time exhibiting natural foraging behaviors. Resulting laws attempt to encourage normal activities and development.
In the end, most local ordinances are not intended to punish well-meaning residents. Instead, they hope to educate people on unintended consequences, while still allowing safe interactions with birds that minimize ecological harm.
Concerns About Feeding Crows
While many people enjoy feeding crows, there are some legitimate concerns to consider regarding the practice. Several issues related to health, safety, and environmental impact come into play when providing food for these intelligent birds.
Spread of Disease
Feeding stations can facilitate the spread of diseases among crows and other species. When large numbers of birds congregate to eat, viruses and bacteria can easily pass between them. Diseases like avian influenza, trichomoniasis, salmonella, aspergillosis, and avian pox are risks associated with supplemental feeding.
A USDA report on crow feeding cautions that infectious agents can spread to pets, livestock, wild animals, and even humans. Maintaining clean feeders and spacing stations far apart can reduce contagion risks.
Disrupting Natural Behavior
While helping birds survive tough times may seem beneficial, constantly providing food can make crows dependent and alter migrations and reproduction. Crows may nest earlier, lay more eggs, and become territorial over feeders in unnatural ways.
Supplemental feeding can also increase sedentary behavior in crows, meaning they spend more time loafing around feeders rather than naturally foraging, flying, raising young, and engaging in other habitual activities.
Attracting Other Wildlife
When feeding crows, it’s likely you will attract other animal species as well. Raccoons, rats, mice, and squirrels often steal food from crow feeders. And leftover feed on the ground can attract bears, coyotes, and other predators to neighborhoods.
A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife guide on crow feeding warns that congregating wildlife at feeders often leads to unforeseen ecological consequences.
Public Health and Safety Issues
In addition to disease transmission risks, feeding crows can create nuisance problems for neighborhoods. Large, loud crow aggregations early in the morning or late at night can disturb residents. Accumulations of crow droppings near feeding areas can also create sanitation and odor issues.
There are also reports of crows acting assertive or aggressive around feeders when they associate people with food. While rare, they may dive bomb, bite, or scratch in these situations – especially during breeding season when hormones and instincts kick in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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|
As the table summarizes, feeding crows certainly brings enjoyment to many, but also raises valid issues to weigh regarding responsible wildlife stewardship. Finding an appropriate balance is key.
Tips for Responsible Crow Feeding
Choose Suitable Foods
When feeding crows, it’s important to offer foods that are nutritious and safe for their digestion. Some good options include unsalted nuts, hard-boiled eggs, thawed frozen peas or corn, and high-quality birdseed or dog food. Avoid processed human foods like bread, chips, and fast food.
The extra salt, preservatives, and fat can be harmful to crows in large quantities. Stick to the natural stuff as much as possible!
Use Proper Feeding Stations
Providing food in an appropriate crow feeding station reduces mess and keeps surrounding areas clean. Platform feeders with drainage trays or mesh bottoms allow excess water to drain away while containing the food. Hanging hopper-style feeders also work well.
Placing feeders away from high traffic areas helps minimize disturbances. Whatever you use, be sure to clean the feeding stations regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Keep the Area Clean
It’s important to properly dispose of any leftover food, droppings, feathers, etc. around crow feeding stations. Not only does this keep the area looking nice for you and your neighbors, but it also prevents disease transmission.
Crows are susceptible to diseases like avian influenza that can spread in accumulated droppings. Use gloves when cleaning up and wash hands afterwards. Disinfect feeders periodically with a non-toxic cleaner. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is mutually beneficial for both crows and people.
Avoid Overfeeding
It’s easy to go overboard when feeding crows, but providing too much food can cause problems. Crows may become dependent on handouts and stop foraging naturally. Excess foods can also attract pests like rodents.
A general rule of thumb is to offer only enough food that the crows will completely finish in a single feeding. That way, you provide a nice supplement without disrupting their natural behaviors. Observe the crows and adjust amounts accordingly for your situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are no federal restrictions on feeding crows, some states and localities prohibit or regulate it. The primary concerns are around disease transmission, unnatural crow concentrations, and public nuisances. If feeding crows where you live, do so moderately and take precautions.
When in doubt, check your local laws before putting food out for crows.
