In some states, it’s illegal to catch fish with a lasso or hunt wild animals from a moving vehicle. But when it comes to roadkill, the rules are a bit more flexible — depending on the animal and the circumstances.
Many states allow certain animals accidentally killed by vehicles to be taken for personal use and consumption. And eating several species should be done with caution as they come with serious risks including parasitic infection and leprosy-causing bacteria.
Overall, the laws vary by state. While wild game roadkill are usually allowed to be picked up and taken home to eat in many parts of the country, some animals accidentally killed by a motor vehicle first require state notification, a license and other steps.
In some jurisdictions, a law enforcement officer must be notified within 48 hours if a person wants to keep a deer accidentally killed on the road. The person must also provide their name and address.
For example, to take a bear found on the road in Tennessee, you must first get permission and a