By SUZANNE DOWNING
April 26, 2026 – The Anchorage Municipal Assembly is set to hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would make it illegal to feed wild animals and birds of prey within city limits, part of a broader effort to reduce dangerous human-wildlife interactions.
Ordinance AO 2026-53, introduced by Assembly Member Yarrow Silvers and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, would create a new chapter in municipal code—Chapter 15.120—specifically prohibiting residents from feeding wild animals, including large mammals like bears and moose, as well as birds of prey such as eagles. The hearing is on April 28 at the Assembly Chambers in the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali, Room 108. Meetings start around 5 pm, and this is item 14B on the agenda.
The measure comes as Anchorage continues to experience frequent wildlife encounters in residential neighborhoods, where feeding animals, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to increased aggression, habituation, and public safety risks.
A substitute version of the ordinance, AO 2026-53(S), has also been added to the April 28 agenda through an addendum. That version is sponsored by Assembly members Anna Brawley and Silvers, signaling broader Assembly involvement as the proposal moves forward.
The ordinance would also update Anchorage’s fine schedule to include penalties for violations of the new wildlife feeding ban. While specific fine amounts are outlined in the accompanying Assembly memoranda (AM 257-2026 and AM 289-2026), the intent is to create enforceable consequences for behavior that wildlife officials say can endanger both animals and people.
The proposed ordinance is at this link.
13 thoughts on “Anchorage Assembly to consider ban on feeding wildlife, fines for violations”
Excellent idea! Lets start by no longer feeding the two legged parasites living in our parks, on our trails, and funding Mark Begich’s agenda.
Well. Then Anchorage municipality better put a covering over the garbage at the municipal garbage dump
Does “wildlife” in this context include the indigent and the homeless dregs of society?
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It should.
we’ve already have penalties regarding feeding wildlife..It just has to be reinforced… another ordinance does not be needed. Only if it applies to the 2-legged wild life parasites walking around walking around and living anywhere they please. since spring and summer coming up they will be overloaded camping where they please..
… “whether intentional or accidental.” This is quite a wide range of interpretation but most assuredly one will no doubt be pronounced “GUILTY” until proven innocent. It’ll also be abused when politically opposed neighbors attempt to rat-out their political opposition.
So, if bears come and raid my bird feeders, ill be charged?? Even after they smash them
I think(?), as long as you post signage that the bird feed is specifically not intended for “Birds of Prey” and/or “Wild Animals” pertaining to, and applicable to, said wild animals … you might be acting within the parameters of the law. Although, to be absolutely sure, you might consider consulting with your legal representative, at a personal cost of $450/hr.
Alternatively, if this ordinance does in fact become law, you can always tether some chickens in the backyard of your favorite ‘unhinged’ progressive liberal elected representative, then call and report it into the authorities, and let the process run the natural course!
CLARIFICATION: I’m not endorsing this idea but, I could certainly envision it play-out like this!
Icould always tether the chickens in the yard of the unhinged leftists across the street
Chuck, as every real Alaskan knows, the only good bear is a dead bear.
That’s fine, except the Muni frowns on random gunfire within the city
It’s not random if directed at a target in defense of life and property…
This could be fun, especially when enforced against homeless encampments feeding the wildlife. Cheers –
APD was already ordered to shoot all the black bears who live near ship creek area who rely on salmon because they were a threat to the muni funded ACEH/ Meg Zaletel’s pet clients.