Yes, Rhode Island permits the salvage of roadkill under strict conditions outlined in the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) regulations, provided the animal is not a protected species and proper reporting occurs within 24 hours.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Rhode Island
- Species Restrictions: Only non-protected species (e.g., deer, raccoons, squirrels) may be salvaged; endangered or protected species (e.g., bald eagles, coyotes) are prohibited under RIDEM’s 2024 Wildlife Protection Act amendments.
- Reporting Requirements: Salvagers must notify RIDEM via their online portal or hotline within 24 hours of discovery, including GPS coordinates and species identification, per RIDEM’s 2026 enforcement guidelines.
- Permit and Use: A free salvage permit is required for personal use; commercial redistribution demands a separate RIDEM-issued permit under the 2023 Commercial Wildlife Salvage Regulations.
Failure to comply risks civil penalties up to $500 or misdemeanor charges under Rhode Island General Laws § 20-1-12. Local municipalities may impose additional restrictions; consult town ordinances before retrieval.