© Martin Griff/The Times of TrentonDOT workers say an increasing number of roadside deer carcasses are discovered decapitated.
Department of Transportation workers tell News 12 that many are taking the heads for show.
George Dante, the owner of a taxidermy shop in Woodland Park, told News 12 that "When they (sportsmen) see an animal by the side of the road with this magnificent headgear on it, you can't help but stop and take it home."
Police want residents to know that taking deer heads is against the law, and those who are caught can be fined $500 the first time and up to $1,000 for a second offense, the report said.
Residents in New Jersey are allowed to keep roadkill to eat, the report said, as long as they have a permit from the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
"We would love to be able to pick up a roadkill and recycle it and turn it into a beautiful mount, give it to an environmental center," Dante told News 12. "Unfortunately, we're not allowed to recycle our wildlife."
The heads are being removed to take them for study. The prions concentrate in the brain. I had read that some deer in Canada were infected with Mad Cow disease - coming soon to a state near you.