Rhode Island Updates Roadkill Salvage Regulations: Increased Deer Salvage Noted
Rhode Island has recently revised its roadkill salvage regulations, allowing residents greater access to wildlife struck and killed by vehicles. Since implementation earlier this year, the state has recorded the salvage of 42 animals, including several white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, and a wild turkey.
Details of Salvaged Wildlife
- 30 white-tailed deer
- 4 squirrels
- 2 rabbits
- 1 fisher
- 1 fox
- 1 raccoon
- 1 coyote
- 1 beaver
- 1 wild turkey
The change in regulations aims to decrease the amount of wildlife wasted on roadways and to reduce the workload for state and local crews tasked with carcass removal.
Wildlife Expert Commentary on Salvage Regulations
Dylan Ferreira, principal wildlife biologist for Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM), confirmed the new rules are meeting expectations. He noted that while animals like deer and turkeys are commonly salvaged for meat, other species serve different purposes such as squirrels being used for their fur or tails in fly-tying, and beaver pelts being valued for their dense fur.
“The goal is to ensure valuable wildlife resources do not go to waste,” Ferreira remarked, emphasizing the ecological and practical rationale behind the updated permitting process.
Legislative Background and Broader Implications
The revised policy follows legislative changes that previously restricted roadkill salvage to only the vehicle’s driver involved in the collision. The update now permits any person, be it a passerby or hiker, to obtain proper permits for salvaging roadkill.
Rep. David Bennett, chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and Senate Majority Whip David Tikoian co-sponsored the legislation with the primary intent to support local food security. Both cited protein-rich venison as a beneficial resource for residents.
Tikoian shared that his support grew after consultation with the DEM, viewing the policy as advantageous to both the community and wildlife management.
Ecological and Management Perspective
Bennett acknowledged that scavenger species such as vultures and coyotes naturally help recycle road-killed animals, which reduces long-term waste and supports local food webs. However, he indicated prioritizing human consumption of salvaged meat as a positive choice.
Michael Woods, advocating for the rule change through the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, pointed out the inefficiency of previous regulations. He noted, “We saw that as a wasted resource,” supporting the legislation as a means to better utilize available wildlife protein.
Biological Context
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a common and abundant species in Rhode Island, which partly explains their prevalence in the salvage figures. Their adaptability to suburban and rural environments increases the frequency of vehicle collisions.
Similarly, species like beavers (Castor canadensis) play a crucial role in ecosystem engineering, and their fur has long been a valued natural material. The ability to salvage such wildlife responsibly ties into sustainable use and conservation practices.
Additional reporting and sources from: RI’s roadkill regulations changed. Here’s what’s been ‘salvaged’
