Yes, keeping roadkill is legal in Denmark under strict conditions. Danish law permits the collection of dead wildlife found on roads, provided it is reported to the authorities and does not violate species protection or food safety regulations. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) and the Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen) oversee compliance, with recent 2026 guidelines emphasizing traceability and hygiene standards to prevent zoonotic risks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Denmark
- Species Protection Compliance: Only non-protected species (e.g., roe deer, wild boar) may be kept, as listed under the Bekendtgørelse om jagt og vildtforvaltning. Protected species (e.g., badgers, otters) require special permits from the Nature Agency.
- Reporting Obligations: Found carcasses must be reported to the local police or municipal authorities within 24 hours via the Vildtkamera digital reporting system, introduced in 2025 to streamline data collection.
- Food Safety Standards: If intended for human consumption, the carcass must undergo veterinary inspection by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) to ensure absence of contaminants or diseases like chronic wasting disease (CWD).
Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in fines up to 10,000 DKK or confiscation under the Miljøbeskyttelsesloven. Municipalities may impose additional local restrictions, particularly in protected areas. Hunters and landowners should consult the Danish Hunting Association (Danmarks Jægerforbund) for species-specific guidelines.