Can I stop on highways to retrieve or to salvage wildlife?

Answer: 
Yes and No.  There are risks and potential safety hazards when stopping on many roadways and highways.  Motorists choosing to stop and retrieve wildlife on any road assume all responsibility for their actions should an accident result due to stopping to retrieve wildlife of any kind.  Motorists stopping on any road need to consider sight distance for oncoming traffic, shoulder width, weather, traffic volume and type (trucks and semis) along with other issues prior to stopping.  If it is unsafe to stop or would jeopardize other motorist’s safety – do not stop. If you have questions concerning non-emergency stopping on roads and highways, contact your local or state transportation officials or the Idaho State Police.           However, interstate highways are controlled access highways and stopping on interstates and medians is strictly prohibited unless for emergencies.  Retrieving or salvaging wildlife is not considered an emergency and is therefore not authorized on interstates.  
Answered on: 
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 2:38 PM MDT