Yes, Louisiana law permits keeping roadkill under strict conditions. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) regulates salvageable wildlife, while the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) oversees roadside recovery. Recent 2026 amendments require immediate reporting to authorities and proof of non-endangered species status.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Louisiana
- Species Eligibility: Only non-game, non-protected species (e.g., deer, squirrels, rabbits) may be salvaged. Endangered or threatened species (e.g., black bears, red wolves) are strictly prohibited under LDWF’s 2026 endangered species compliance guidelines.
- Reporting Requirements: Salvagers must notify LDWF within 24 hours via the Wildlife Violation Reporting System or a local DOTD office, providing GPS coordinates and species identification. Failure to report risks misdemeanor charges under La. R.S. 56:124.
- Possession Limits: A maximum of two salvaged animals per person per year is enforced, with mandatory inspection by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or LDWF agent to verify cause of death and prevent disease transmission.
Local parishes may impose additional restrictions; for example, Orleans Parish requires a health department permit for any salvaged meat intended for human consumption. Always cross-reference LDWF’s Salvage Permit Guidelines and DOTD’s Roadside Debris Management Protocol before retrieval. Unclaimed roadkill may be disposed of by DOTD crews within 72 hours, forfeiting salvage rights.