Posted on 04/07/2026 12:31:50 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Anthony Buhl, March Wallin Chadwick, accused of illegal gator possession
wo tourists are facing felony charges after Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers said they strapped a dead alligator to the roof of their vehicle and drove it across Central Florida.
Anthony Buhl, 56, of New York City, and March Wallin Chadwick, 57, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, were arrested Saturday on U.S. Highway 192 near St. Johns Heritage Parkway in Melbourne.
According to FWC arrest reports, the pair was first spotted driving through Celebration with the alligator — described as roadkill — strapped to the roof of their vehicle. License plate readers tracked the car heading eastbound, and a second hit was recorded near Harmony in St. Cloud, where the gator was still on the roof but had since been covered with a white sheet.
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Wait, you can’t do that?
Good thing we have those license plate readers, eh?
When apprehended, were they singing, ‘East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’! We’re gonna do what they say cain’t be done!” ?
“Anthony Buhl, March Wallin Chadwick, accused of illegal gator possession”. An unusual story.
picking up roadkill is a crime?
Come on guys... let’s have some common sense here
Does EVERY GD tTHING need governemtn per,mission?????
>:(
Huh, weren’t you thinking of another Jerry Reed song?
"Was that so wrong?"
They must have been out of season.
I’m ALWAYS thinking of Jerry Reed. The man haunts me! ;)
Another removal of a freedom. Go where you want untracked.
They are what they eat?
By contrast free people hold that power rests with individuals by default, and is only delegated to government by common consent; the powers delegated to the government are limited and it is government who needs permission for new actions, not the people. When something new comes along by default people can do it, until there is a consensus that it is a problem and needs to be limited by law.
It is not intuitive that picking up roadkill would be a felonious offense, so however odd it may be I wouldn't criticize these folks. It's just a shame that they ran afoul of such a law.
A felony for picking up a dead animal? Insane. Paraphrasing the book but we all commit 3 felonies just waking up in the morning.
Yes, if it is a migratory bird or a game animal you aren’t allowed to have it in possession without a permit.
You can possess invasive nonnative roadkill.
Laws regarding roadkill vary by state, with many states allowing the collection and use of roadkill under specific regulations to promote safety and resource management.
Overview of Roadkill Laws
State Regulations: In the United States, over 30 states have enacted laws that permit the collection and consumption of roadkill. These laws aim to reduce waste and promote wildlife management. For example, California’s roadkill law allows individuals to collect certain animals, such as deer and elk, for consumption, provided they obtain a free permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Permitting Process: In states like California, individuals must report the collection of roadkill through an online system to ensure proper tracking and regulation. The law typically requires that the collection occurs within a specific timeframe (e.g., within 24 hours of the animal’s death) to ensure the meat is safe for consumption.
Safety Considerations: When collecting roadkill, it is crucial to ensure that the animal is indeed dead and has not been dead for an extended period, as this can affect the safety of the meat. Individuals are advised to check for signs of decay, such as flies or a foul odor, before attempting to harvest the meat.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to adhere to the regulations surrounding roadkill collection can result in fines and legal action. Non-compliance is generally treated as an infraction, similar to other minor wildlife violations.
Conclusion
Understanding the laws surrounding roadkill is essential for individuals interested in collecting and utilizing road-killed animals. Each state has its own regulations, so it is important to familiarize oneself with local laws to ensure compliance and safety. Always check with local wildlife authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding roadkill collection in your area.
needed free permit?
So this wasn't a Florida Man story? Question, if they are under arrest, are they not now under Florida jurisdiction, and therefore, temporary Florida Men?
It's an anchor gator! Let these Florida Men go!
In Florida, individuals are allowed to keep roadkill, such as deer, if they were the driver of the vehicle that struck the animal, but proper documentation is required.
Key Points on Florida Roadkill Laws
Legal Possession: If you hit a deer with your vehicle, you are generally allowed to keep the carcass. This applies regardless of the hunting season, and you do not need a hunting license to possess the roadkill.
Documentation: It is important to document the incident. Typically, law enforcement or wildlife officials will provide an accident report, which can be useful for insurance purposes and to prove that the animal was killed in a vehicle collision. If you find a roadkill carcass that you did not hit, you should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to report it and obtain permission to take it.
Safety Considerations: When retrieving roadkill, ensure your safety and that of others. Park safely away from traffic and confirm that the animal is deceased. You must remove the entire carcass, including entrails, from the road to avoid violating state law.
Health Concerns: Be aware of health advisories regarding consuming roadkill, especially concerning diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer. It is advisable to check local health advisories before consuming any salvaged meat.
Contact Information: For further clarification or to report a roadkill incident, you can contact the FWC wildlife hotline at 1-800-404-FWCC (3922).
1
By following these guidelines, you can legally and safely handle roadkill in Florida while ensuring compliance with state laws.
I wouldn’t have thought road kill was protected like this.
So a flattened squirrel on my street I can’t keep?
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