No, feeding wild pigeons in Vermont violates state wildlife regulations under the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s 2023-2026 Wildlife Feeding Guidelines, which classify such actions as disruptive to natural foraging behaviors and public health hazards.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Vermont
- Prohibited under 10 V.S.A. § 4701: Feeding wild pigeons (Columba livia) is explicitly banned as it fosters overpopulation, increases disease transmission risks (e.g., salmonellosis), and disrupts native avian species.
- Local ordinances enforce compliance: Municipalities like Burlington and Montpelier have enacted supplementary bylaws, empowering animal control officers to issue fines up to $500 for violations under their 2024 Public Health Codes.
- Permit exceptions are rare: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department may grant permits only for scientific research or wildlife rehabilitation, requiring applicants to demonstrate mitigation of public nuisance risks.