Roadkill

Roadkill is the term for an animal or animals that have been struck and killed by motor vehicles.  The term is quite common in the south because some individuals in southern states are more likely to cook and consume roadkill than individuals in other states.

Large animals including deer, moose, bear and elk are frequently struck in some parts of the United States, as well as smaller animals such as armadillos, raccoons, skunks and birds. Many times, people won’t actually pick dead animals up off the road for consumption unless it is a fresh kill.  The risk of worms and disease is far too great in a dead animals that has been laying on the road for many hours.  On a positive note, roadkill is free and naturally high in vitamins and proteins.  They usually contain lean meat and very little saturated fat and also free of food additives.

Stews known as Brunswick stew and Burgoo stew are thought to contain roadkill such as rabbit, squirrel or raccoon and possum and can be found in Georgia and Kentucky.  However, the United States is not the only country that deals with roadkill.  Australias often consume kangaroo meat for stews and BBQ’s.  In Canada, moose and bear are typical roadkill items consumed.

In many suburban areas in the country, people may frown upon the idea of roadkill but in many other parts of the country, roadkill can be part of daily meal consumption.  Each state and some countries has its’ own regulations regarding roadkill but one thing is for certain, the consumption of roadkill is not as taboo as some might think.