Yes, keeping roadkill in Iceland is legal under strict conditions. The Icelandic Environment Agency (Umhverfisstofnun) permits retention of dead wildlife found on roads, provided it is reported and documented. Recent 2026 amendments to the Nature Conservation Act require immediate notification to local authorities or the police to prevent zoonotic risks and ensure traceability.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Iceland
- Mandatory Reporting: All roadkill must be reported to the nearest police station or local environmental office within 24 hours of discovery, as stipulated in Regulation No. 662/2023 on wildlife management.
- Permitted Species: Only non-protected species (e.g., foxes, hares, or seabirds) may be retained; protected species (e.g., ptarmigans, seals) require special permits from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
- Disposal Restrictions: Carcasses must be stored in sealed, labeled containers and disposed of at designated veterinary or municipal waste facilities to mitigate disease transmission and environmental contamination.