Illinois Passes "Roadkill Bill"
From this story on kwqc.com:
There is a new law on the books in Illinois that you may not have heard
much about. The so-called "roadkill bill" lets people take roadkill home with them and salvage the pelts, even meat. At least 14 states have laws relating to roadkill. The Illinois law took effect in October, and it's become a popular way to make use out of the animals with a not-so-fortunate fate. Motorists can pick up the animals they hit or find alongside the road and salvage them for fur or food. "The animals are going to go to waste if they're laying on the side of the road. Just like anything else, if someone can utilize it so it doesn't go to waste that's a benefit," said Sgt. Laura Petreikis, Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
There is a new law on the books in Illinois that you may not have heard
much about. The so-called "roadkill bill" lets people take roadkill home with them and salvage the pelts, even meat. At least 14 states have laws relating to roadkill. The Illinois law took effect in October, and it's become a popular way to make use out of the animals with a not-so-fortunate fate. Motorists can pick up the animals they hit or find alongside the road and salvage them for fur or food. "The animals are going to go to waste if they're laying on the side of the road. Just like anything else, if someone can utilize it so it doesn't go to waste that's a benefit," said Sgt. Laura Petreikis, Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Conservation officers say it's a win-win. People can sell the pelts for profit
and it helps local municipalities or the Department of Transportation which are
responsible for removing roadkill. "They're very busy so it's not a bad deal for
anybody that they're allowed to pick it up," added Sgt. Petreikis. But not just
anyone can, or at anytime. You have to have the proper hunting or trapping
license, and a habitat stamp. Also, carcasses can only be picked up if the
animal is in season.
and it helps local municipalities or the Department of Transportation which are
responsible for removing roadkill. "They're very busy so it's not a bad deal for
anybody that they're allowed to pick it up," added Sgt. Petreikis. But not just
anyone can, or at anytime. You have to have the proper hunting or trapping
license, and a habitat stamp. Also, carcasses can only be picked up if the
animal is in season.
