Alaska is famous for its wide-open spaces, where nature and mankind mingle like nowhere else. In fact, that close-knit relationship has led Alaskans to do something that's unique to the Last Frontier: Turn roadkill into repast, and not think twice about it. Private residents and charity groups who are registered on an official list are permitted to remove dead moose from Alaska's roadways and turn the remains into dinner. The amount of meat collected in such a way is staggering: Up to 800 moose are fatally struck by vehicles every year, which translates into about 250,000 lbs (113,398 kg) of meat. By feeding families in this way, the state can help minimize the prohibitive cost of having food shipped in. It also helps to keep the roads clear. Alaska State Trooper David Lorring told CityLab that the state's residents have learned to get things done without outside help. "It goes back to the traditions of Alaskans: We’re really good at using our resources," he said.
A primer on roadkill:
- Drivers in America get into an average of approximately 250,000 accidents involving animals every year.
- 90 percent of all vehicular accidents with animals involve deer.
- An animal is killed by a car in America every 11.5 seconds.