Council sets June 9 public hearing for wildlife protection ordinance after debate on private-property exemptions and enforcement

San Juan County council set a public hearing for June 9, 2026 on a proposed wildlife protection ordinance after a lengthy second-touch presentation and council discussion on May 12.

Deputy County Manager Hillary Williams presented a draft ordinance that would add a chapter to San Juan County Code (Title 6) addressing behavior that habituates wildlife — notably feeding, pursuing/harassing, and approaching animals too closely. Williams said the draft targets species of local concern (foxes, deer, raccoons and otters) and largely mirrors existing state and federal guidance, while adding local exemptions for domestic livestock, pets and wild-bird feeders.

Council members pressed staff for clearer language about whether feeding prohibitions would apply on private property and asked how the ordinance would treat long-established plantings (for example, century-old fruit trees). Williams agreed to revise the draft to clarify the scope of the prohibition and to add more explicit public/private property language where appropriate.

Members also discussed enforcement and implementation: Williams said the sheriff’s office and the prosecuting attorney’s office had been consulted and that deputies already respond to related calls, but she acknowledged additional resources or signage might be necessary if the ordinance is adopted. The draft sets a civil-infraction penalty (as discussed at the meeting) of up to $250; several council members said that amount may be too low and asked staff to check statutory limits with the prosecuting attorney.

After discussion about outreach, signage and an implementation plan that could include volunteer and partner organizations, a council member moved to set a public hearing on the ordinance for 9:15 a.m. on June 9, 2026; the motion was seconded and passed on voice vote.