Roadkill Cuisine Perks and Pitfalls

J.Adderton, BSN, MSN

I have never seriously considered “roadkill” as a legitimate food source. Typically, I associated roadkill with the punchline of a very corny joke. Recently, I read an article highlighting California bill that would legalize the collection of carrion (aka roadkill). My interest was definitely peaked after learning 27 U.S. states have already legalized the collection of roadkill for human consumption. I image there are individuals reading this article that are true roadkill aficionados. However, I had to research, read up and educate myself on carrion cuisine. If you are interested in what I learned, keep reading.

But Why?

The first question I needed to answer was “Why”. Some readers may know the answer to this question, but I was surprised to find real benefits for this controversial practice.

Safer Roadways

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), between 1 and 2 million large animals are struck by vehicles in the U.S. yearly. These accidents kill approximately 200 people annually and cause nearly 8.4 billion dollars in damages. Many states are allowing the collection of carcasses to reduce the number vehicle-animal accidents and injuries.

Feeding Those in Need

In California alone, an estimated 20,000 deer, elk and wild pig are killed each year on roads. The proposed bill states this amount “translates into hundreds of thousands of pounds of healthy meat that could be utilized to feed those in need.” Roadkill meat is a valuable free-range source of organic protein.

In Alaska, all roadkill belongs to the state. State troopers will collect the hit animal, take it to volunteers for processing and distribute the meat to local charities. Residents in many states can actually get on a waiting list to be called by the game warden when roadkill meat is available.

Data Points

Salvaging laws vary by state and often includes reporting requirements to assist in the collection of important data. The information is used to determine migration patterns and feeding areas. Identifying dangerous stretches of road protects animals, people and vehicles. Idaho has used data collected to build fences, post warning signs, build wildlife overpasses and under-tunnels to protect elk, deer and other animals.

Roadkill is also used to collect data and study Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, moose and elk. This contagious neurological disease causes brain degeneration, weight loss, abnormal behavior and eventually death in infected animals. Animals with CWD have a higher risk of being involved in road accidents that cause animal and human injury or death.

And the Opinion of Animal Rights Groups?

Roadkill on the menu is gaining acceptance and animal rights groups generally approve. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ website states, “If people must eat animal carcasses, roadkill is a superior option to the neatly shrink-wrapped plastic packages of meat in the supermarket “. Hunters have a long history of supporting the salvage of roadkill but maintain a “use the whole animal” ethical viewpoint. In addition to providing organic protein, salvaged roadkill provides a way to humanely collect fur and pelt.

The Legal Aspects

It is important to know your state’s laws regarding the collection of roadkill. Requirements widely vary, with some states requiring returning the head and antlers to game wardens. Many states also require permits or registration in order to collect roadkill.

An Absolute “No-Go”

There is no federal regulation for the private consumption of roadkill. However, before harvesting, there are “red flags” that indicate the meat is past the point of a safe meal. These include:

A large amount of blood at the scene may indicate ruptured organs
Fat or bloating appearance
Hair comes out easily when slightly tugged
Dark and/or dried blood
Cloudy eyes
Eye discharge
Limb stiffness
Pinched skin that does not move freely over muscle
Hot, humid weather leads to rapid decomposition
Bad odor is never a good sign
Animal not groomed may be a sign of disease
Presence of flies
Absence of fleas (when body cools, fleas will seek a warmer environment)

Green Light Indicators

When harvesting roadkill, it is impossible to determine if the animal is illness and disease free. However, the following are indicators of a healthy and viable source of meat

Cold or freezing weather is ideal and slows the decomposition process
Shiny eyes without drainage/discharge
Warm body
Bright red blood
Look for pinched skin that moves freely over muscle
Fleas are positive sign since attracted to body warmth.
Low blood loss and few signs of trauma

Foodborne Illness and Health Concerns

The health risks to roadkill are similar to foodborne illness associated with hunting and eating wild game. These include toxoplasmosis, CWD, gondil and other species-specific diseases. It is estimated people consume between 7,000 and 15,000 deer yearly infected with CWD. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are no known cases of transmission to humans. However, research continues to determine whether or not CWD poses a health risk. E. Coli has been found in the remains of elk, deer and moose. Bacterial contamination is also a risk due to gut, intestine or bladder rupture.

Do Benefits Outweigh Risks?

What are your thoughts on the “waste-not, want-not” philosophy of roadkill? Does knowing one large animal could yield 60-70 pounds of edible meat sway your opinion? Or, does your concern for the health and safety of your community conjure up the image of a big red “X” signaling a hard stop?

CDC Chronic Wasting Disease

You Can Harvest Roadkill for Food if You Live in One of These 27 States

Wild and Free, But is Roadkill Safe to Eat

Forget burgers, Roadkill could soon be on the menu in California (article)