Are You On The List?

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In the state of Alaska there is a prestigious club that many want to be part of. It's not dependent on degrees, economic status or political influence, it all depends on if you are on the list and if you respond to the call. So what list are we referring to? Answer, the roadkill list! Apparently anyone can sign up to be on the list. You might be wondering why a roadkill list exists. Actually, it serves a few purposes:

1. The roadkill is cleared from the road in a rather timely manner, thus not obstructing traffic.

2. The roadkill provides sustenance for people on the list.

3. Charities can sign up for the meat and feed the needy.

Here's how it works...

When an animal (often moose in Alaska) is struck by a vehicle, the highway and parks departments are notified. Once they have been informed, the person on the top of the roadkill list is contacted and is given the opportunity to claim the meat. The key to staying on this list is

springing into action. Those on the list are essentially on-call. They may get called at any hour day or night and they need to be ready to respond. Peter Jenkins, author of the book, Looking for Alaska, describes the importance of commitment and follow through for those who are on the list.

"Note: if you agree to respond to a roadkill after being called, then FAIL to respond, you will be permanently removed from the roadkill list....Whoever's next on the list must adhere to the following rules: You must remove the hide, head, legs, and meat from the kill site. The gut pile is to be moved well off the roadway and, if possible, out of sight. [The gut pile is one of the brown bear's favorite snacks.] It may not be left on private property. Failure to comply could result in a citation being issued and your name will be removed from future roadkill lists" (pg. 270). In addition, the roadkill recipient is also instructed to "Save the front teeth (lower front jaw) from your moose. [A picture showed where to cut the jaw off right behind the teeth.] Bring the front teeth along with this form to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Palmer Alaska. The state also wanted to know the sex of moose, exact location of kill site, and date of kill, and they wanted it all within ten days," (pg. 270).

Being on the roadkill list involves a high level of commitment, being a first responder and having the skill and strength to butcher animals. But the outcome is having a freezer full of meat.

References:

http://everything2.com/title/Roadkill+List

http://books.google.com/books?id=eStD1ImIXQYC&pg=PA270&lpg=PA270&dq=roadkill+in+alaska&source=bl&ots=HdPvV96olA&sig=y5FFR90Sg_eM2yS6Lf79I3nCMqA&hl=en&ei=gTRyS6iNCKbKswPG7rnPAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CB8Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=roadkill%20in%20alaska&f=false