Minnesota Roadkill: Where Do Dead Animals Go?

Scenarios ranges.

You’re driving along a Minnesota highway, enjoying the scenery, when you see it: a deer, a raccoon, or maybe even a skunk, lying lifelessly by the roadside. It’s a sad and common sight. But what happens to these unfortunate creatures after they meet their untimely end? Who deals with the aftermath of these roadkill incidents?

“I live in Alexandria at a lake in the summer. And as we head to our winter home in Florida, we see so many dead deer, raccoons, et cetera, alongside the highways,” said Bob Abbott, a curious Minnesota resident. “I’ve always wondered, who risks their lives to retrieve the dead bodies?”

Abbott’s question is a valid one. In Minnesota, the fate of roadkill varies, and it often depends on the type of animal and its location.

The Front Line Workers: MnDOT and Local Authorities

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), along with local road authorities, are typically the first responders to roadkill incidents. Their crews work tirelessly to remove carcasses from busy roadways, preventing further accidents and maintaining safety for drivers.

A Culinary Use? Permits Allow for Retrieval

Interestingly, the DNR also issues special permits allowing individuals to collect roadkill for sustenance.
Believe it or not, some Minnesotans see roadkill as a valuable source of food. With the proper permits, these individuals can legally retrieve carcasses and use the meat.

The Final Destinations: Graves, Compost, or Dinner Plates

So, where does Minnesota roadkill ultimately end up? There are three primary destinations:

Shallow Graves by the Roadside

Most commonly, roadkill is buried in shallow graves along the roadside. This is a quick and practical solution for disposing of the animals without transporting them long distances.

Special Compost Heaps

Some carcasses are taken to designated composting sites. These specially designed facilities break down the organic matter, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost for use in gardening and landscaping.

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As mentioned earlier, some Minnesotans with DNR permits utilize roadkill as a food source. After proper handling and processing, the meat can be a viable protein option.

Roadkill on Minnesota roads is a year-round occurrence. However, there is a noticeable increase during the fall, particularly during deer mating season, also known as the rut.
“This is because the deer rut during fall,” Anne Meyer, a MnDOT spokesperson, explained. “Their behavior changes as they seek out mates, causing them to become more active near roadways.”

This heightened activity during the rut leads to more deer-vehicle collisions.

The image of a gull and raven fiercely vying for roadkill underscores the natural cycle of life and death that even extends to the roadside.

While it may seem morbid, the aftermath of roadkill incidents in Minnesota reveals a complex network of responsibilities, regulations, and even resourcefulness. From dedicated MnDOT crews to individuals seeking alternative food sources, the fate of these unfortunate animals reflects the intersecting concerns of safety, waste management, and human ingenuity.

Is it legal to collect roadkill for consumption in Minnesota?

## Minnesota Roadkill: Where Do Dead Animals Go?

**Host:** Welcome back to the ⁣show. Today we’re⁢ delving into a topic⁢ that many of⁢ us have witnessed ⁣on Minnesota’s roads: roadkill. Joining us is [Guest Name], a⁢ wildlife expert with the DNR, to shed some light on what happens to these ‍unfortunate creatures after they meet their fate on the asphalt.

**Guest:** Thanks for having me. It’s a question we get a ​lot, and it’s definitely a practical concern.

**Host:** Absolutely. Bob Abbott, a resident from Alexandria,‍ recently reached out to us wondering who actually deals⁢ with the ⁣aftermath of these incidents.

**Guest:** ⁤ Well, Bob, the first responders​ are usually the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and local‌ road authorities. Their crews are the ones who brave the traffic ‍to remove the carcasses from‌ busy roadways.

**Host:**⁤ So, ⁢it’s not a ⁢glamorous job, but ⁣a necessary ‍one for the safety of drivers. What happens‍ to the roadkill after it’s removed?

**Guest:** That’s where it gets interesting. Most ⁣commonly, they are buried in shallow graves ⁣along the roadside.⁢ [[1](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-roadkill-enthusiasts-eat-thousands-of-animals-killed-by-cars/600234775)]

**Host:** Makes sense, it’s a quick and practical solution. But I understand there’s more to the story?

**Guest:** There is indeed! What ‍surprises many people is ‌that the DNR actually issues special permits allowing individuals to collect roadkill for sustenance.

**Host:** Wow, you’re telling ⁢me some Minnesotans see roadkill as a source of food?

**Guest:**‍ Believe it or⁢ not, yes! It’s not for everyone, of course,⁣ but those who obtain the permits can legally retrieve carcasses and utilize the meat. [[1](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-roadkill-enthusiasts-eat-thousands-of-animals-killed-by-cars/600234775)]

**Host:** That’s fascinating. It certainly puts a new spin on the ‌phrase “waste not, want not.” So, is eating ⁢roadkill common?

**Guest:** It’s hard ​to say how much roadkill⁤ is⁣ actually salvaged and consumed, but⁤ it’s certainly a practice ⁤among some Minnesotans.

**Host:** Well, there you have it, folks. Minnesota roadkill: ⁢a reminder of both the fragility of wildlife and the resourcefulness of ⁢some humans. Thanks for joining us, [Guest Name].

**Guest:**⁣ My pleasure.