California – It’s Illegal to Eat a Frog That Has Died in a Frog-Jumping Competition
California is known for its quirky and unusual laws, but one of the strangest is a regulation that prohibits eating a frog that has died during a frog-jumping competition. While this law might sound bizarre, it has a surprising backstory tied to one of California’s most famous traditions.
The Law Explained
📜 California Fish and Game Code, Section 6883 states that if a frog dies during a frog-jumping contest, it cannot be eaten and must be “destroyed as soon as possible.”
This law specifically applies to competitions like the annual Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, where contestants enter their frogs in a jumping contest to see which one can leap the farthest.
While using frogs in competitions is legal, eating the losing (or deceased) contestants is strictly prohibited—even though frog legs are considered a delicacy in many places.
The Origins of the Law
This law traces back to Mark Twain’s famous short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, published in 1865. Inspired by this tale, Calaveras County began hosting frog-jumping contests, which continue to this day as a beloved local tradition.
However, not all frogs survive the excitement—whether due to handling stress, overexertion, or other factors. California lawmakers likely introduced this law to prevent mistreatment of the frogs and ensure they weren’t being used for food after competing.
Additionally, the law aligns with animal cruelty protections, ensuring that frogs used in contests are treated with some level of dignity, even in death.
Is the Law Still in Effect Today?
Yes! This law remains in effect and is still enforced at major frog-jumping contests like the Calaveras County Fair. While no one has been arrested for frog-related culinary crimes, officials make sure that deceased competition frogs are properly disposed of rather than served up for dinner.
It’s unclear why eating non-competition frogs remains legal, but for those participating in frog-jumping events, it’s best to stick to cheering—not snacking.
What This Means for You
If you’re in California and attending a frog-jumping contest, don’t bring a fork and knife—just in case! While this law may seem odd, it reflects California’s commitment to animal welfare and ensures that competition frogs retire in peace rather than on a dinner plate.
This is just one of many strange laws still on the books in the U.S., proving once again that legal history is often as entertaining as it is confusing.
