This article from wikiHow titled "Strange, Funny, and Crazy Laws in the United States" aims to identify real and unusual laws currently in effect in the US, distinguishing them from myths and urban legends. The article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD, an in-house legal expert at wikiHow who received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006, and Amy Bobinger, BA, a wikiHow staff writer. The content has been fact-checked for accuracy.

Here is a summary of some of the weirdest laws highlighted in the article:

• Weird Animal Laws:

  • In Georgia, it's illegal to allow chickens and other fowl to roam freely on the streets.
  • Selling dog or cat hair is prohibited in Delaware, with potential penalties including fines and a ban on owning pets for up to 15 years. This does not apply to fur cut by licensed groomers or vets.
  • In Berkeley, California, whistling loudly before 7:00 AM, which could include whistling for a lost canary, is against noise regulations.
  • Tripping horses is illegal in many states due to animal rights concerns.
  • In Indianapolis, Indiana, riding a horse faster than 10 mph on city streets is prohibited, and horses cannot be left unhitched or tied in no-parking zones.
  • Wrestling a bear is a Class A misdemeanor in Missouri, and it's also illegal to promote or own bears for this purpose. Centralia, Missouri, prohibits driving with an uncaged bear or other savage animal.
  • It's illegal to eat a frog that dies during a frog-jumping competition in California.
  • Killing a Bigfoot in Skamania County, Washington, could be considered a felony, although the original ordinance may not be formally codified.
  • Massachusetts law prohibits animals, including gorillas specifically mentioned in popular retellings, from riding in the back of a vehicle unless enclosed or tethered.
  • Having a snake within 200 yards of a Mardi Gras parade is illegal in Louisiana.
  • While not a specific law, tying an alligator to a fire hydrant in Louisiana would likely result in legal trouble due to restrictions on alligator ownership and obstruction of fire hydrants.

• Weird Driving Laws:

  • Driving blindfolded is illegal in Alabama, and so is sitting in a way that obstructs the driver's view.
  • Sounding a car horn near a sandwich shop after 9 PM is illegal in Little Rock, Arkansas.
  • In Ogden, Iowa, written permission is required to throw bricks or other projectiles onto highways.
  • Parking within 25 ft of Dunkin' Donuts in South Berwick, Maine, is specifically prohibited.
  • Driving a vehicle that leaves dirt or mud on the streets in Minnetonka, Minnesota, can result in a fine.

• Weird Food and Alcohol Laws:

  • Underage culinary students in Illinois are legally allowed to taste, but not consume, alcohol as part of their curriculum on responsible alcohol service.
  • Sending unsolicited food that the recipient has to pay for, such as a surprise pizza, is illegal in Louisiana and can result in a fine.
  • In Wisconsin, margarine must be clearly identified and can only be served as a substitute for butter in restaurants if specifically requested. It is also restricted in schools, hospitals, and prisons.
  • Drinking alcohol while playing bingo is prohibited in North Carolina.

• Weird Household Laws:

  • Shaking a dust mop out of a window is illegal in New York City due to anti-littering regulations.
  • Keeping upholstered furniture like couches on porches in Boulder, Colorado, is prohibited.
  • Living on a boat in a marina or mooring area on Georgia’s coast is limited to 90 days per calendar year without special permission.
  • Sweeping leaves or debris into the street is illegal in Idaho as it can create a hazardous driving condition.
  • Getting married on a dare can render the marriage void in Delaware and Colorado.
  • An antiquated law in Vermont technically requires a woman to have her husband's permission to obtain fake teeth.

• Weird Public Behavior Laws:

  • Wearing a bulletproof vest while committing a crime in New Jersey can result in an additional charge.