Yes, keeping roadkill is legal in Alabama under specific conditions, but strict reporting and handling requirements apply. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) permits salvage of certain species if reported within 48 hours and processed per state wildlife regulations. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban jurisdictions.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Alabama
- Species Eligibility: Only legally harvestable species (e.g., deer, turkey, squirrel) may be kept if reported to ADCNR within 48 hours via the ADCNR Roadkill Reporting Portal. Protected species (e.g., bald eagles, black bears) are strictly prohibited.
- Possession Limits: A maximum of two deer or two turkeys per person per year may be salvaged; other species have no formal limits but require documentation. Exceeding limits violates ADCNR’s 2026 enforcement directives.
- Processing & Transport: Meat must be processed within 72 hours of reporting, and carcasses transported in sealed, labeled containers to prevent disease transmission. Violations trigger fines under Alabama’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) compliance protocols.
Failure to comply with ADCNR’s 2026 electronic reporting mandates (effective January 1) results in misdemeanor charges, with penalties up to $500 and potential confiscation of salvaged wildlife. Local health departments may also impose additional food safety inspections if the meat is intended for human consumption. Always verify county-specific ordinances, as some municipalities (e.g., Jefferson County) restrict roadkill salvage in residential zones.