It’s a common sight on many roadways across the United States—dead deer after being struck by a car or truck. In Alaska, it’s a little different. First of all, it’s much larger moose that are plentiful. And Alaska has a lot of them—an estimated 175,000. Secondly, Alaskans tend not to let anything go to waste. They transfer anywhere from 600 to 800 of them annually from roadkill to the dinner table.
“It goes back to the traditions of Alaskans: We’re really good at using our resources,” David Lorring, Alaska state trooper, told the High Country News.
Salvaging roadkill may be old hat in Alaska but other states are on the roadkill bandwagon as well. It’s now legal to salvage roadkill in Oregon. Washington adopted a similar policy in 2016. Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee are among other states that allow the salvage of roadkill.
(Photo source: Alaska Department of Game and Fish)