No. Feeding wild pigeons in Mississippi is prohibited under the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) regulations, which classify it as a nuisance activity under the 2023 Wildlife Conservation Act amendments. Local ordinances, such as those in Jackson and Gulfport, further restrict feeding to mitigate public health risks and property damage.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Mississippi
- MDWFP Prohibition: Feeding wild pigeons (Columba livia) is explicitly banned under MDWFP’s 2023 Nuisance Wildlife Policy, classifying it as a Class III violation subject to fines up to $500.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Biloxi and Tupelo enforce additional restrictions via sanitation codes, requiring property owners to remove food sources to prevent pest infestations.
- Public Health Exemptions: The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) mandates compliance with CDC guidelines, prohibiting feeding in public parks to reduce zoonotic disease transmission risks.
Violations may trigger enforcement by MDWFP conservation officers or municipal animal control, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Exceptions exist for licensed wildlife rehabilitators under MDWFP permits, but general public feeding remains unlawful.