Yes, Keeping roadkill is legal in Puerto Rico under specific conditions outlined by the Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) and the Ley de Vida Silvestre de Puerto Rico (Ley 241-2004). While the act itself is not explicitly prohibited, strict protocols govern possession, reporting, and species eligibility to prevent wildlife trafficking and public health risks. The Reglamento para el Manejo de Fauna Silvestre (2023) mandates immediate reporting of roadkill to local authorities and restricts retention to non-protected species unless prior authorization is obtained.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Puerto Rico
- Species Eligibility: Only non-protected species (e.g., feral pigs, coyotes, or invasive species) may be kept without a permit. Endangered or threatened species (e.g., Puerto Rican parrot) are strictly off-limits under Ley 241-2004 and Reglamento 7766 (2019).
- Reporting Requirements: Roadkill must be reported to the Unidad de Vida Silvestre of the DRNA within 24 hours via the Sistema de Reportes de Vida Silvestre (SRVS) or local police. Failure to report may result in fines up to $5,000 under Artículo 10.003 of the Wildlife Law.
- Permit Exemptions: A Permiso de Uso de Fauna Silvestre is required for keeping roadkill beyond 48 hours or for commercial purposes. Applications are processed by the DRNA’s Oficina de Permisos, with processing times of 15–30 days under Reglamento 8542 (2021).
Local municipalities (e.g., San Juan, Ponce) may impose additional ordinances, such as zoning restrictions on carcass storage. Non-compliance risks civil penalties or criminal charges under Código Penal de Puerto Rico (Artículo 250). Always verify species status via the Lista Oficial de Especies Protegidas (DRNA, 2025) before retention.