JACKSON (AP) - Teton County residents who feed deer, elk and other wildlife could be fined under a controversial new ordinance that takes effect Tuesday.

The ordinance, approved by commissioners in April after months of emotional debate, prohibits wildlife feeding on private land. Bird feeding is still allowed, but must not be used to feed other animals.

Violators can be fined up to $750. However, county officials said they planned to take an educational approach to enforcement - at least initially.

"The first time will be a warning," said Bart Myers, county code enforcement officer. "Someone may not be aware that their garbage is attracting bears."

After that, continued violators will be referred for prosecution.

Myers said the county will rely on Game and Fish wardens to confirm whether residents are feeding wildlife. Wardens said bears getting into garbage and bird feeders represents a major problem this summer.

A black bear fed by humans was killed earlier this month after it rummaged through stored pet food and garbage and tried to break into a house. The animals often become more aggressive and lose their fear of people after such incidents, posing a threat to public safety, wardens said.

Protecting both residents and wildlife were among the reasons commissioners cited for approving the feeding ban this spring.

The ban was initially proposed by residents after winter feeding of deer and moose drew mountain lions into a subdivision. Opponents argued the ban would only create more problems and result in animal deaths.

Under the ordinance, residents cannot feed wildlife human food, pet food, hay, forage product or supplement, grain, seed or bird seed, garbage or other attractants.

Antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, mountain goats, lynx, wolves and foxes are among the animals it will be illegal to feed.

Game and Fish wardens recommended residents hang bird feeders at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet away from trees or buildings to keep bears and other wildlife away.