Strange but True: America’s Most Absurd Laws (Part 9 – Tall Tales & Hairy Situations)

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From candy weight requirements to outlawed elephant labor, this next batch of laws proves that when it comes to legal logic, America takes the cake—and sometimes, a 50-pound box of candy. Whether it’s banning bowling or kangaroo haircuts, these rules are as oddly specific as they are hilariously real.

Alaska: No Kangaroos at the Barbershop—Hop Outta Here

In Alaska, it’s illegal to bring a kangaroo into a barbershop. Now, we’re not sure if someone was trying to get a roo a fresh fade or just needed moral support during a buzz cut, but the law is clear: marsupials and makeovers do not mix. It’s one of those rules that makes you wonder, what happened here? Either way, if you’re in Alaska, your kangaroo will have to wait outside—and hopefully not jump into another customer’s truck.

Georgia: Giraffes and Street Lamps Don’t Mix

In Georgia, tying a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp is strictly forbidden. Which begs the obvious question: Who’s out here walking giraffes like they’re golden retrievers? While it may sound like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, someone, somewhere, apparently thought it was a good idea—until the giraffe blocked traffic. Georgia says nope. If you’ve got a giraffe, find a proper parking spot… or maybe a very tall hitching post.

Idaho: Love Weighs at Least 50 Pounds

In Idaho, it’s illegal for a man to give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing less than 50 pounds. Talk about a heavy romance! This law ensures that if you’re going to woo someone with sweets, you better bring a truckload. It’s unclear whether this is a protection against stingy suitors or a nod to Idaho’s go big or go home mentality. Either way, in Idaho, if your gift doesn’t require a forklift, it’s not true love.

Illinois: No Strikes Allowed in Evanston

If you’re in Evanston, Illinois, don’t even think about picking up a bowling ball. Bowling is forbidden. No strikes, no spares, no turkey—just a big legal gutter ball. Why? We may never know. Maybe someone took a 7-10 split way too personally, or maybe they were tired of the noise. Whatever the reason, the law stands: Evanston is strictly a no-bowl zone.

North Carolina: No Elephants in the Cotton Fields, Please

In North Carolina, using elephants to plow cotton fields is against the law. Which is both oddly specific and weirdly majestic. Imagine a giant elephant calmly walking rows of cotton, trunk swinging, ears flapping—and lawmakers saying, absolutely not. This law likely came about from concerns over animal labor, but let’s be real: it’s also a polite way of saying, leave the circus at home.

More Laughs, More Laws

From kangaroos needing haircuts to candy that doubles as a workout, these laws are a reminder that sometimes, reality is stranger—and way funnier—than fiction. Stick around for more, because America’s legal system never stops surprising us with the most delightfully dumbfounding rules you’ve ever heard.