When it comes to the various states of the USA, everywhere is different and unique. This often means that they implement their own rules. Most of the time, these rules are pretty mundane and there’s a lot of crossover. However, sometimes there’s a few rules that are just plain weird.

In the case of Anchorage (Alaska), we have picked the top 10 most zany laws going. For those wondering, these are often rooted in religious laws that date back hundreds of years ago, which never got updated. As a result, people now look upon these laws with curiosity and an element of humor. Without further delay, here are the strangest laws in Anchorage:

1 Licensing is required for slingshots and similar weapons.

If you find yourself needing to carry a slingshot or other prohibited items like metal knuckles, dirks, or daggers in the city of Haines, you must possess a valid license. This law also applies to the aforementioned weapons.

2. Occupying a trailer while it is in transit is illegal.

In the city of Anchorage, it is prohibited to occupy a trailer while it is being transported on the city’s streets.

3. Restrictions on unauthorized use of slingshots.

In Nome, it is strictly forbidden to discharge an airgun, bow and arrow, or slingshot within the city limits without proper authorization. A concealed slingshot may only be carried if the individual possesses the appropriate license.

4. No serving alcoholic beverages to moose.

Fairbanks city officials have enacted a law making it illegal to provide alcoholic drinks to moose. This measure was implemented to prevent a local tavern owner from getting his pet moose drunk and to mitigate the animal’s frequent drunken rampages. When opening or closing a business in Alaska, consider consulting guides on starting an LLC or finding a reliable registered agent to ensure compliance with relevant laws.

5. Prohibition on possession and use of bows and arrows within city boundaries.

Within the city of Nome, it is unlawful for any individual to possess or discharge an airgun, bow and arrow, or slingshot.

6. Do not disturb sleeping bears for selfies.

It is imperative to refrain from waking hibernating bears for the purpose of taking selfies. This law was established to protect the bears during their seasonal slumber, as tourists used to enter their dens and disrupt their hibernation. Although there is no jail sentence associated with this offense, violating the law may result in fines or, in extreme cases, endanger your life.

7. The prohibition of “attractive nuisances” is in effect.

Soldotna, Alaska, has implemented a ban on “attractive nuisances,” which refers to any objects that may attract bears, such as garbage, fish, or beef. By discouraging bears from frequenting human-inhabited areas, the aim is to reduce dangerous encounters between humans and bears, which often result in costly bear relocations or unfortunate shootings.

8. Transporting animals atop a vehicle roof is prohibited.

According to an ordinance in Anchorage, Alaska, it is prohibited for any person driving a motor vehicle to transport an animal in a space intended for carrying loads on top of the vehicle, unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail walls extending at least 46 inches vertically from the floor. Alternatively, the animal must be tethered to the vehicle or protected within a securely sealed container or cage. This regulation ensures that animals are prevented from being thrown, falling, or jumping off the vehicle during transportation.

9. Children should refrain from building snowmen taller than themselves.

Due to severe snowstorms experienced in Alaska, it becomes challenging to differentiate between real children covered in snow and snowmen. Therefore, it is advised that children avoid constructing snowmen that exceed their own height to prevent any confusion or potential safety concerns.

10. Aircraft dropping moose is strictly prohibited.

For 37 years, the town of Talkeetna, Alaska, held an event called the moose poo-dropping contest, which involved painting and numbering moose droppings, then dropping them from a helicopter onto a target. However, in 2009, the festivities came to an abrupt halt when PETA launched a campaign against dropping an actual moose from a helicopter. The situation resulted from a significant misunderstanding as both sides attempted to clarify the nature of the event. Eventually, city officials intervened and banned both moose and their droppings from being flung out of helicopters, thereby discontinuing the festival.