Americans and Canadians culture Q&A Thread.

[mom2rtk]

I’ve driven for 30 years amd have never hit a gopher or a squirrel. How are you hitting multiples a year?

I just barely miss squirrels all the time. Played chicken with one just a couple weeks ago. Ran out in front of my car, sat there for a bit and stared me down. I can see how easy it is to hit one based on their erratic movements.

My guess is that people who live in older neighborhoods with more mature trees (that's the case where I am) see and have exposure to more squirrels darting out in front of them.

 

[ronandannette]

I’ve driven for 30 years amd have never hit a gopher or a squirrel. How are you hitting multiples a year?

I just barely miss squirrels all the time. Played chicken with one just a couple weeks ago. Ran out in front of my car, sat there for a bit and stared me down. I can see how easy it is to hit one based on their erratic movements.

My guess is that people who live in older neighborhoods with more mature trees (that's the case where I am) see and have exposure to more squirrels darting out in front of them.

This exactly!! Our neighbourhood is crawling with them - I was just outside on my back steps and even in the dim morning light I could tell two were scampering through our 50ft. spruce trees. There is honestly hardly a day in summer I don’t see one dead on the street on my route in and out. Our neighbourhood is also on the edge of a huge urban park/nature reserve. In the winter the rabbits come out and sometimes even the coyotes that chase the rabbits. They’re much faster though and I’ve never seen one run over.

And as for gophers, well there are countless thousands of them in the region, all over the roads especially those bordered by open land (not necessarily so many right in the neighbourhoods). They are encountered on higher speed roadways and highways. Breaking for them or (God forbid) swerving to try and miss them in traffic is a disastrous idea.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I just barely miss squirrels all the time. Played chicken with one just a couple weeks ago. Ran out in front of my car, sat there for a bit and stared me down. I can see how easy it is to hit one based on their erratic movements.

My guess is that people who live in older neighborhoods with more mature trees (that's the case where I am) see and have exposure to more squirrels darting out in front of them.

It's interesting seeing the difference between my mom's neighborhood and mine. My mom's is the mature trees (her house was built in the '60s) and the squirrels def. love to run across the road. I don't think I've hit one before but they all seem to have a death wish. Then I compare it to my neighborhood which was built from a wooded area. Because of the woods that are still largely around (by intent) the squirrels don't seem to run across the road as much, oh they play a ton in our backyard along the trees but because the trees in the front of the house aren't these massive tall trees (the oldest trees at the front of the street are like 15-16 years old whereas the mature trees are more in people's backyards) they seem to not go across the road as much.

On the other hand the deer around my neighborhood saunter across the streets all the time. They haven't gotten hit as much as I would have expected for as many deer as you see here. We regularly have a mama and her babies in the backyard and then they cross to the other side of the street. Unfortunately that other side is now being cleared (leaving some trees but not nearly as many as before) so their habitat is getting shuffled but you're more likely to have to watch out for the deer crossing the street.

This was about 2 weeks ago in the backyard


And this was from late September in the front yard:

 

[mom2rtk]

but they all seem to have a death wish.

^^ This.

 

[bcwife76]

So I apologize if this one has been mentioned already, but apparently in some US states trick or treating does not always happen on Oct 31st but will be on another day??? In some states you can't do it if it's on a Sunday (like this year) and they will go out on Saturday instead? Please enlighten me because this is NOT a thing in Canada trick or treating is ONLY on the 31st of October, no matter what day it falls on, in every province and territory.

 

[bcla]

So I apologize if this one has been mentioned already, but apparently in some US states trick or treating does not always happen on Oct 31st but will be on another day??? In some states you can't do it if it's on a Sunday (like this year) and they will go out on Saturday instead? Please enlighten me because this is NOT a thing in Canada trick or treating is ONLY on the 31st of October, no matter what day it falls on, in every province and territory.

Nope. Whatever day is October 31 is the day when kids go out. I've never heard of it being moved from a weekend. The other thing is that there aren't necessarily any laws or regulations about it.

The only thing I've heard of would be organized Easter activities happening on the Saturday. We didn't really do it that much when our child was that young, but one year I found myself on Easter day looking for activities and finding just a few. But the list of what I found was that the best events were all the previous day.

 

[bcwife76]

Nope. Whatever day is October 31 is the day when kids go out. I've never heard of it being moved from a weekend. The other thing is that there aren't necessarily any laws or regulations about it.

The only thing I've heard of would be organized Easter activities happening on the Saturday. We didn't really do it that much when our child was that young, but one year I found myself on Easter day looking for activities and finding just a few. But the list of what I found was that the best events were all the previous day.

A friend of mine lives in Columbus Ohio and they are having trick or treating tonight!! Apparently in Ohio, in different areas, it can be anytime between the 25th and the 31st and this year they agreed it would be on the 28th. I just find this fascinating and bizarre

 

[GreatLakes]

A friend of mine lives in Columbus Ohio and they are having trick or treating tonight!! Apparently in Ohio, in different areas, it can be anytime between the 25th and the 31st and this year they agreed it would be on the 28th. I just find this fascinating and bizarre

Every city sets their own date and times. I've never seen it moved from a weekend to a weekday but have seen it the other way around. My city generally always does it on the 31st but recently if the 31st falls close to a weekend cities sometimes move it. I hate it and it was never done like that when we were kids. It is also much earlier than it used to be. I remember it starting around 8 when I was a kid, now it usually ends by 8.

 

[bcwife76]

Every city sets their own date and times. I've never seen it moved from a weekend to a weekday but have seen it the other way around. My city generally always does it on the 31st but recently if the 31st falls close to a weekend cities sometimes move it. I hate it and it was never done like that when we were kids. It is also much earlier than it used to be. I remember it starting around 8 when I was a kid, now it usually ends by 8.

It's interesting you mention the start and end times as well, an article I was reading showed "suggested times" from several cities around the US (again nothing I have ever seen here in BC) and Seattle suggests going between 4&7pm!! Now I don't know if this is a pandemic thing or what but don't show up at my door at 4pm, it's not even dusk In our neighborhood I'd say it generally starts around 5:30 because we have a lot of families with young, young kids so the babies and toddlers come out first in a trickle. I'd say it really gets going by 6-6:30 and is generally over by 8:30. Again, these are pre pandemic times. Last year we were not home (put a bowl of candy out) and chose to trick or treat with our friends who live in a more rural area and thus the houses are more spread out (no crowds). Will be interesting to see what our neighborhood is like this year.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

So I apologize if this one has been mentioned already, but apparently in some US states trick or treating does not always happen on Oct 31st but will be on another day??? In some states you can't do it if it's on a Sunday (like this year) and they will go out on Saturday instead? Please enlighten me because this is NOT a thing in Canada trick or treating is ONLY on the 31st of October, no matter what day it falls on, in every province and territory.

Sometimes it's a municipality thing. There are still some old vestiges of days past when it comes to some things (speaking towards your Sunday comment) that's where you'd see some weird rules. There are also curfews in places (just an everyday thing) although that just usually prevents late evening outtings like past 11pm/midnight type thing.

There are many events though that happen from neighborhood to community and most often I see those not on Halloween so they don't conflict with main trick or treating but it also depends on the day Halloween falls. If Halloween falls on a weekend you'd be more common to see multiple events. If Halloween falls on a weekday they do the events a lot of time on the weekend which would be before Halloween. Trunk or treating has become common enough as well.

Saturday is my neighborhood's costume parade and trunk or treat event in the pool parking lot. ETA: the kids will still trick or treat on actual Halloween.

As far as times I see kids in my neighborhood usually anywhere between 5-5:30 to 6pm starting. I agree 4pm is a little early even for the little kids because of people actually being home to go to their houses.

In my area I can't recall any government official declaring Halloween to be moved from October 31st but I do remember it sucking when it fell on a school night.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I remember it starting around 8 when I was a kid, now it usually ends by 8.

I feel like this was the case too. I know usually little ones start earlier and I probably did as well (although I remember it being dark not still light-ish) but I do feel like almost no one comes to our door past 8-8:30pm. Maybe a few older stragglers past 9pm. But when I was younger I swear I was out longer.

 

[tvguy]

Dear Lord, why, TV Guy? To donate to the zoo for feed? Any animal killed by massive blunt force and not bled properly would not be fit for human consumption. The idea is really, really repulsive.

I don't know why nor have I every heard of this being an issue.

 

[adkkev]

Regarding the road kill thing, here’s Alaska’s policy: https://dps.alaska.gov/AWT/Roadkill

 

[Aladora]

It's legal in Alberta too.

Sort of.

It actually varies by Province, AB is only legal if you contact a Fish and Wildlife officer first.

BC is similar but you need to get a permit first.

Interestingly, the Weather Network has a comprehensive breakdown on where it is and is not legal.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Is it legal?


Yes: But only with a permit.


Dawn Makarowski, a public affairs officer for the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development told CP the roadkill is inspected by a ministry official to "ensure that it was not killed illegally."

ALBERTA

Is it legal?


Yes and no.


Albertans are required to contact a Fish and Wildlife officer prior to harvesting roadkill and permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.


"In most cases, we can't confirm that it's fit for human consumption," Richard Lyons of Alberta Fish and Wildlife told CP.

SASKATCHEWAN

Is it legal?


Not really.


Saskatchewan's Ministry of Environment limits the use of roadkill to personal uses like mounting and putting on display or to use for pet food, according to Find Law Canada.


If a person finds a dead animal they'd like to harvest, they're required to contact a local conservation officer and pay for an X-ray so the officer can determine how the animal died. If the officer concludes the animal died of natural causes or an accident, they may issue a permit for personal use.

ONTARIO

Is it legal?


Sure sounds like it.


"In most cases, you may keep these carcasses without approval," Jolanta Kowalski, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, told CP in an email. "But certain species must be registered online ... before you can keep them for personal use."


That includes large mammals, birds of prey and fur-bearing mammals.


YUKON

Is it legal?


Yes: As long as you have a permit for possession of wildlife.


It's illegal to sell roadkill meat anywhere in Canada.

WHAT ABOUT EVERYWHERE ELSE IN CANADA?

Not all provinces have roadkill regulations readily available online, but you can learn a little more about Canadian roadkill laws here.


Regardless of the situation, the best course of action concerning roadkill is to seek direct advice from your local conservation officer.

From: Where is it legal to eat roadkill in Canada

 

[Pea-n-Me]

States you can legally harvest roadkill:

https://www.wideopeneats.com/all-the-states-where-you-can-legally-harvest-roadkill-for-food/

 

[fortwildernessishome]

So I apologize if this one has been mentioned already, but apparently in some US states trick or treating does not always happen on Oct 31st but will be on another day??? In some states you can't do it if it's on a Sunday (like this year) and they will go out on Saturday instead? Please enlighten me because this is NOT a thing in Canada trick or treating is ONLY on the 31st of October, no matter what day it falls on, in every province and territory.

This is true and I find it strange too!! I have never heard of not trick or treating on Sunday though.

I live in New Hampshire and the majority of towns have trick or treating on Halloween. (Other events like kid parades or trick or treating at businesses on Main Streets or inside of malls or a trunk or treat event at a church, are usually held on a different day.) I only ever went out on Halloween night as did our own kids. But, every year in NH there is a big on-line list as well as one that scrolls on the news with dates and times for trick or treating in every town. I quickly scanned the list and saw 12 towns that are having trick or treating on Saturday night. I truly have no idea why some towns do that and have always been puzzled by it!!! To me, you trick or treat in your neighborhood on Halloween night!

 

[bcla]

A friend of mine lives in Columbus Ohio and they are having trick or treating tonight!! Apparently in Ohio, in different areas, it can be anytime between the 25th and the 31st and this year they agreed it would be on the 28th. I just find this fascinating and bizarre

I started looking into it, and while I've never heard it happening in my area, apparently there are some local governments in the United States that do set trick or treat times. I don't know exactly how they enforce that, but it could more or less be advisory than anything else.

What I have seen on occasion is local business districts where there's an organized afternoon trick or treat event with specified hours. There may also be a spot for contests or other activities. Businesses that participate will usually have a sign in their window, although I've seen quite a few run out of candy. It was also kind of bizarre on this one street where there are two dentists, and they hand out toothbrushes. That was always kind of fun. There was even a frozen yogurt place that handed out samples instead of candy. The business has gone, but there was even a local celebrity - the actor Michael Horse who played Deputy Hawk on Twin Peaks. He's actually a jewelry maker and artist, and he operated a shop that sold various native artwork.

Around here there is "that neighborhood" where the neighbors have all bought in. They know (and pretty much accept) that people come around for miles. There are some really over the top decorations. One year someone even set up a photo booth that spit out a print, and even where the photos could be accessed via a code through a website.

I for one don't really care who comes. I live in a neighborhood that isn't terribly well suited for trick or treating. I've asked my wife what happened and sometimes it's only been one group, while other years it's been several. But something they come early - before it gets dark.

 

[bcla]

Dear Lord, why, TV Guy? To donate to the zoo for feed? Any animal killed by massive blunt force and not bled properly would not be fit for human consumption. The idea is really, really repulsive.

Roadkill can be safe to eat as long as it's carefully checked and freshly killed. At least in California, part of the rationale behind having a legal chance to salvage roadkill is to make it available to food pantries, although many won't accept meat that doesn't come from a USDA inspected slaughterhouse. I did read a little bit about it, and some food pantries said their requirement has a lot to do with the possibility that roadkill could have stuff in it that's not safe to eat, including debris such as broken glass. A lot of deer end up impaling themselves in car glass.

 

[ronandannette]

States you can legally harvest roadkill:

https://www.wideopeneats.com/all-the-states-where-you-can-legally-harvest-roadkill-for-food/

In case anybody is interested in trying it: How to Eat Roadkill: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Personally, I think I'll just have a bowl of cereal...

 

[bennifer]

I started looking into it, and while I've never heard it happening in my area, apparently there are some local governments in the United States that do set trick or treat times. I don't know exactly how they enforce that, but it could more or less be advisory than anything else.

I live in western PA and we always have had set trick or treat times! The way they enforce it is easy. Nobody goes out early and once it's past the time, people just don't answer the door. I think because it's been this way for at least 48 years, nobody even thinks twice about it.

Also, when I was a kid and even when my oldest still went out (he stopped when he was 12 because he wanted to stay home and scare kids instead), trick or treat was always on the Thursday before Halloween. I can't remember exactly when it changed to actual Halloween, but it was within the past 14 years!