Wyoming residents would be allowed to take home roadkill if they plan to eat or process it under legislation before the state Legislature.

Under the measure, people also would be allowed to use roadkill for scientific purposes.

The bill is sponsored by nine state legislators from both parties. One of the sponsors, Rep. Dan Zwonitzer (R), said there is a possibility that people may abuse the bill by killing animals and claiming that the deaths were from auto collisions.

"There's some room for mischief," he said. "I think it gives Game and Fish a little trepidation to support the bill. We have to think of all the angles and bad actors. People may not follow the law. But they're also not following the law now."

If the bill passes, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission would regulate the permitting process. Chief game warden Brian Nesvik said a formal license or coupon would play an important role in allowing this kind of practice (Hancock/Peterson, Casper [Wyo.] Star-Tribune, Jan. 16). -- JE