Farmington Hills residents can now feed wildlife, including deer, under new Michigan rules that override the city's previous ban. The city will no longer issue citations, but state limits and restrictions still apply.
Farmington Hills residents are now permitted to feed wildlife, including deer, following a recent change in Michigan law that overrides the city's previous ban. The City of Farmington Hills announced it will no longer enforce its local deer feeding prohibition, as new statewide regulations now govern all wildlife feeding practices.
The update comes after Michigan amended its Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, establishing uniform rules for feeding wildlife and birds across the state. Effective immediately, residents must follow state guidelines, which set specific limits on the amount and location of wildlife feed allowed near homes.
State Rules Now Apply
Under the new state law, residents may place up to two gallons of wildlife feed within 300 feet of their residence. Small amounts of seed or feed can be placed near the home, and the use of elevated feeders and limited seasonal backyard feeding is permitted. All feeding practices must align with U.S. Department of Agriculture recommendations to help reduce the risk of disease transmission among wildlife.
Certain activities remain prohibited. Using feed as bait for hunting is not allowed, and placing more than two gallons of feed at a time is a violation of state law. The City of Farmington Hills will no longer issue warnings or citations under City Code Sections 6-10 and 6-11, as these are now superseded by state regulations.
Health and Safety Considerations
City officials caution that while wildlife feeding is now permitted within state limits, residents should be aware of potential risks. Feeding wild animals can increase the spread of disease and may create safety concerns in neighborhoods. The city encourages residents to follow best practices and remain mindful of the impact on both wildlife and the community.
For questions about the new rules or how they apply locally, residents can contact the City's Code Enforcement Division at 248-871-2520.
Background on the Change
Farmington Hills previously enforced a full ban on deer feeding to support public safety and protect natural habitats. The recent change in state law was designed to create consistency across Michigan communities, removing the patchwork of local ordinances in favor of a single statewide standard. The new rules are now in effect for all Michigan cities and towns.
Residents are encouraged to review the state's wildlife feeding guidelines to ensure compliance and to help maintain a healthy environment for both people and animals.
