Throughout the Midwest, there are varying state laws when it comes to driving as we know that weight limits, speed limits, license plate requirements, and so much more differ from state to state. One of the things that gets really tricky as you cross state borders are the animals that are safeguarded by the government.

We have heard of not being able to hit ANY kind of animal when you're driving in the state of Illinois, but this causes a lot of confusion as these drivers go to other states and other drivers visit the state of Illinois. Every state has different laws in this regard but there is only one animal that is safeguarded to this extent in Michigan.

In Michigan, we know that there are many different animals that exist in the varying forms of nature that our state is home to, but there is one specific animal that is off-limits except for during its hunting season. It's the goose, you are not allowed to harm geese in any way unless it is during the hunting season and using the correct weapon.

This is enforced by state and federal legislation under the migratory bird treaty act of 1918. This was put in place to sustain the population of migrating bird species and prohibits the killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This is especially true for drivers as we see drivers stop or choose to swerve to avoid hitting all kinds of animals even though this may not be the safest option. This is because they are often taught that it's not smart or legal to hit these animals with your vehicle.

This is just a quick reminder that yes, you shouldn't intentionally hit any animals with your vehicle but the only animal that you will receive legal action for running over is a goose. So if running over any other kind of animal will save you or anyone else's life it might be worth it. Don't intentionally hit any animals because that's cruel and inhumane but remember it's not illegal.

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You may have even seen a few of these in your home or around the state.

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