Yes, West Virginia law permits the salvage of certain roadkill under strict conditions. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) regulates the collection of wildlife killed by vehicles, requiring immediate reporting and adherence to species-specific rules to prevent waste and ensure ecological balance.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in West Virginia
- Species Eligibility: Only non-protected species (e.g., deer, raccoons, squirrels) may be salvaged. Endangered or game species (e.g., black bears, turkeys) are off-limits without a permit.
- Reporting Requirements: Salvagers must notify the WVDNR within 24 hours via the WV Roadkill Reporting System or local conservation officer, providing GPS coordinates and species details.
- Possession Limits: A maximum of two deer may be retained per incident; other species have no formal limit but must be processed within 72 hours to avoid spoilage or regulatory scrutiny.
Local enforcement prioritizes compliance with the 2023 Wildlife Salvage Act amendments, which tightened oversight post-2026 to curb illegal trafficking. Municipalities like Morgantown and Charleston may impose additional ordinances, such as mandatory carcass disposal permits for commercial use. Always cross-reference county-specific rules before retrieval.