So you picked up roadkill in Ontario… Now what?

You picked up roadkill in Ontario... now what?

Depending on the type of animal, it might need to be registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources for a Notice of Possession.

... or you might not be allowed to have it at all...

Most birds are covered under the Migratory Bird Act and are illegal to possess, with only a few exceptions.

Species at risk and endangered animals all have unique rules, depending on what it is, but most are protected.

Animals to register with the MNR fall into 3 categories:

Large mammals (such as black bear), Birds of Prey (such as a bald eagle), furbearing mammals (such as coyote).

You will need to go to the Ministry of Natural Resources portal, create an account, and register for a Notice of Possession.

Birds not covered under the migratory bird act are:

House Sparrow
European Starling
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird

Make sure to do your research and follow all provincial and federal laws. These rules are in place to protect our local wildlife and keep mother nature healthy.

For more information, visit https://nrip.mnr.gov.on.ca or email questions to NRISC@ontario.ca