Yes, keeping roadkill is legal in Canada under specific provincial regulations, but ownership transfers require compliance with wildlife conservation laws. Provincial wildlife agencies (e.g., BC’s Ministry of Environment, Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife) permit salvage for personal use if the animal is not a species at risk. Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act restricts handling of protected species like raptors or songbirds. Recent 2026 amendments to Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act now mandate reporting salvaged carcasses to local conservation officers within 48 hours to prevent disease spread.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Canada
- Provincial Permits Required: Most provinces (e.g., Saskatchewan, Manitoba) require a free salvage permit for non-protected species like deer or elk, issued by provincial wildlife agencies. Permits may restrict use to personal consumption or taxidermy.
- Species-Specific Bans: Federally protected species (e.g., caribou, grizzly bears) under SARA or Migratory Birds Convention Act cannot be kept without federal approval. Violations incur fines up to $250,000 under the Species at Risk Act.
- Health and Reporting Protocols: BC and Alberta mandate carcass testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids. Unreported salvage risks penalties under public health regulations, with 2026 updates in Quebec requiring GPS-tagged storage for traceability.