National Roadkill Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Roadkill Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Roadkill Day is observed on September 25th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Roadkill Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about National Roadkill Day.

📅 What day is National Roadkill Day 2024?

In 2024, National Roadkill Day is on Monday, September 25th. It is the 4th Monday in September; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the cool details and facts about September 25, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Roadkill Day is an annual event held on September 25th. Contrary to what one might assume, the aim of this day is not to draw attention to the dangers and issues surrounding roadkill. Instead, National Roadkill Day seeks to highlight the potential of roadkill as a quick and environmentally-friendly source of food for hungry individuals across the country.

📜 National Roadkill Day History

According to State Farm, there were 2.1 million insurance claims related to animal accidents in the United States between June 2020 and July 2021. Among the states, Pennsylvania had the highest number of animal crashes with 166,404 occurring in just one year. In 1920, the average number of animal accidents in a state was around 12,000 per year. However, between 2020 and 2021, California saw a significant increase in animal crashes, with the number rising from approximately 12,000 to 104,767.

The rise in roadkill incidents can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the growing human population has led to increased urbanization, forcing animals to live in man-made environments where they face numerous risks. Secondly, drivers are becoming faster and more distracted. Even normal highway speeds pose a high risk of collision due to distractions, and many individuals continue to drive at excessive speeds. Distracted driving, particularly caused by phone usage, is responsible for an estimated 1.6 million accidents in the United States. Considering all these factors, it is evident why roadkill has become so prevalent in the country.

✅ National Roadkill Day Facts

🔖 Scavengers thrive
Vultures, crows, and foxes are able to flourish by feeding on animals killed on the road because it is a natural part of their diet. Their consumption of roadkill helps to prevent dead animals from remaining on the roads for extended periods of time.

🔖 Roadkill cuisine
In most cases, roadkill is considered safe to eat as long as it is fresh and cooked thoroughly. This is now allowed in 49 states.

🔖 An important research resource
The presence of roadkill provides scientists with the opportunity to examine and understand the anatomy and biology of animals without the need to intentionally harm or kill them.

👍 Why Is National Roadkill Day Important

Regardless of how you feel about preparing and eating roadkill, the truth is that it is often all a family has to eat. According to a 2020 study, 35% of Americans were food insecure. This implies that every month, 35% of Americans miss meals, go hungry, and struggle to purchase food. Roadkill provides a zero-cost, zero-waste solution for this segment of the population to guarantee their freezer is stocked.

National Roadkill Day raises awareness of the dangers that our modes of transportation and driving habits pose to the animals that share our roads and cities. Let us all participate in some way.

Whatever you want to say about people who choose to eat roadkill, it’s undeniable that there is a growing culture and community for those who have adopted roadkill cuisine. This day is ideal for learning about that culture and sharing it with others!

🙂 How To Observe National Roadkill Day

⚡ Join the barbeque

⚡ Slow down
Today, it’s important to exercise extra caution while driving. Taking the time to reduce speed and paying careful attention to the road can potentially prevent accidents and safeguard both human lives and animals attempting to cross the road.

⚡ Think about it
Again, this may come as a surprise, but roadkill is commonly utilized as meat in cooking. Every year, amateur cooks compete in the Roadkill Festival, which is a barbecue competition where the main course is roadkill.

📅 When is National Roadkill Day?

View all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 American food holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Roadkill Day. So be sure to check back soon.