No. Feeding wild pigeons in West Virginia violates state wildlife regulations under the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Code §20-2-5, which prohibits the intentional provision of food to non-game species in urban areas to prevent nuisance behavior and disease transmission. Local ordinances, such as Charleston’s 2023 Public Health Code §17-25, further restrict feeding to mitigate public health risks.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in West Virginia
- Prohibited in Urban Zones: WVDNR enforces a statewide ban on feeding pigeons in municipalities, citing §20-2-5, to curb overpopulation and sanitation hazards.
- Permit Requirements: Exemptions require a WVDNR-issued nuisance wildlife permit under §20-2-12, reserved for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or agricultural pest control.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Morgantown and Huntington impose additional fines (e.g., $100–$500) under local public health codes for violations.
Non-compliance risks escalate under the 2026 WVDNR Compliance Framework, which mandates mandatory education programs for repeat offenders. Violations may trigger enforcement actions under the West Virginia Code §20-7-1, including confiscation of feed and potential misdemeanor charges.