In Alaska moose are considered state property under the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and anyone who finds roadkill must call a state trooper, who turns the carcass over to charity "if it's not too smooshed". When they receive news of a moose roadkill, volunteers or families rush to the scene to butcher the animal, which must be quickly bled, gutted and quartered so the meat can cool as fast as possible. The meat is taken to churches and NGOs which distribute it to needy families, and soup kitchens make stew. Around 200 moose are distributed in this way each year in Anchorage. Local residents may also register to be included on the "roadkill list" ensuring that the valuable meat is not wasted. The sale of moose meat is illegal in Alaska.
