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National Roadkill Day

National Roadkill Day - a grim reminder to drive carefully and respect the wildlife around us. Let's make every day a safe one for everyone on the road!

Friday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 25

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to hit the road – because it's National Roadkill Day on September 25! While this may seem like a strange holiday to celebrate, it actually has a fascinating history. This day was first created by an organization called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), as a way to raise awareness about the dangers of driving and how it impacts wildlife. It's also a reminder for drivers to be cautious and mindful while on the road. But don't worry, this day isn't all serious – there are plenty of fun activities you can do to celebrate, such as sharing your favorite animal-related puns or donating to organizations that work towards protecting animals. So let's make this National Roadkill Day one to remember!

TIMELINE

National Roadkill Day Timeline

PETA Founded

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was founded, aiming to advocate for animal rights and promote better treatment for all animals.

Highway Mortality Awareness

PETA initiated campaigns to raise awareness about the significant number of animals killed on highways each year, laying the groundwork for further initiatives.

Driver Safety and Wildlife Conservation

Campaigns emphasizing driver safety and wildlife conservation were launched, aiming to reduce the number of animals killed on roads.

Recognition of Roadkill Problem

The issue of roadkill started to gain wider recognition and was incorporated into several environmental education programs worldwide.

National Roadkill Day Creation

PETA officially established National Roadkill Day to raise further awareness about the issue and encourage safer driving habits to protect wildlife.

Continued Awareness and Action

Efforts to promote National Roadkill Day and related initiatives continue, with a focus on education, awareness, and preventive measures to save wildlife.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Roadkill Day

Host a roadkill-themed BBQ

Invite friends and family over for a roadkill-themed BBQ, where you serve dishes such as "Squirrel Skewers" or "Raccoon Ribs." Make sure to use fake roadkill props for added effect.

Go on a roadkill scavenger hunt

Create a list of common roadkill animals and have a scavenger hunt where participants have to take pictures with them. The first one to complete the list wins a prize.

WATCH

Watch a roadkill-themed movie marathon

Gather some friends and watch movies like "Tremors" or "Dead Snow" that feature roadkill as a central theme. Serve snacks like gummy worms and chocolate covered raisins (aka "roadkill").

ORGANIZE

Organize a roadkill clean-up event

Team up with local organizations and host a roadkill clean-up event in your community. This is a great way to celebrate National Roadkill Day while also giving back to the environment.

CREATE

Create a roadkill-inspired art project

Get creative and use materials such as old tires, feathers, and faux fur to make a roadkill-inspired art piece. Display it in your home or at a local art show to celebrate and raise awareness about National Roadkill Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Roadkill Day is Important

It raises funds for animal conservation organizations

Many organizations focused on wildlife conservation rely heavily on donations. National Roadkill Day presents an opportunity to host fundraising events or create awareness campaigns to support these important causes and help preserve our planet's diverse animal species.

It promotes awareness of wildlife conservation

Although it may seem like a strange holiday, National Roadkill Day serves as a reminder that human development and infrastructure often puts animals at risk. This day encourages people to be more mindful while driving and to support efforts towards protecting the natural habitat of wildlife.

It highlights the importance of road safety

National Roadkill Day also sheds light on the dangers of reckless driving and the need for safe roads. By acknowledging the unfortunate consequences of roadkill, this holiday advocates for responsible behavior on the roads to protect both humans and animals.

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