Yes, feeding wild pigeons in North Dakota is legal but heavily regulated under state wildlife statutes and local municipal ordinances. While no statewide ban exists, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) discourages the practice due to ecological disruption and public health risks. Municipalities like Fargo and Bismarck have enacted supplementary restrictions, including permitting requirements and seasonal prohibitions, to mitigate nuisance pigeon populations and associated infrastructure damage.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in North Dakota
- State Wildlife Statutes (NDGFD): Feeding wild pigeons is permitted only if it does not “create a public nuisance” or “disrupt natural foraging behaviors,” per NDGFD’s 2024 Wildlife Management Guidelines. Violations may result in fines up to $500 under N.D. Cent. Code § 20.1-12-02.
- Local Municipal Ordinances: Cities such as Fargo (Ordinance 8-0305) and Grand Forks (Chapter 6-03) require permits for feeding pigeons in public spaces, with restrictions during breeding seasons (March–August). Unpermitted feeding may incur municipal citations.
- Public Health and Nuisance Provisions: Feeding pigeons in areas zoned for agriculture or near airports (e.g., Hector International Airport in Fargo) is prohibited under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05 to prevent disease transmission and flight hazards. Violators face penalties under local nuisance abatement laws.