Who to call by state
Arizona
Arizona splits dead-animal roadway response by jurisdiction: ADOT handles state highways, while counties and cities typically handle their own roads. For wildlife questions, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is the main state contact for dead wild animals, sick wildlife, and big-game salvage rules such as deer.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Report on a state road
- Official page →
- Road-killed deer salvage
- Arizona allows road-killed deer salvage only if a peace officer or authorized Arizona Game and Fish employee issues a big game salvage permit.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Arizona
Use ADOT’s published online contact form to report or ask about issues on Arizona state highways, including dead animals.
Explains that ADOT handles state highways and that city streets or county roads should be reported to the local jurisdiction.
Gives Arizona’s official instructions for reporting dead wildlife, dead birds, and sick or injured wildlife.
States the legal requirements for possessing and transporting salvaged big-game carcasses, including deer.
Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for sick or injured wildlife in Arizona.
Key facts for Arizona
- ADOT says dead animals on freeways should be reported to ADOT; city streets and county roads go to the local jurisdiction.
- ADOT publishes a statewide contact form and customer-service number, 602-712-7355, for questions and feedback.
- AZ 511 publishes 511 in Arizona and 1-888-411-ROAD from outside Arizona for road information and feedback.
- Arizona law allows possession and transport of road-killed deer only with a nontransferable big game salvage permit.
- AZGFD says wildlife-related emergencies, including dead wildlife reports, go to its 24-hour dispatch center at 623-236-7201.
- AZGFD directs residents to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for sick or injured wildlife.
What to do next
- If the carcass is on an interstate, U.S. route, or state route, use ADOT’s contact form; if it is on a city or county road, contact that local streets or public works office.
- For a dead bird or other wild animal that may need disease testing, contact AZGFD first; its page says a recently dead small bird may be double-bagged and frozen.
- Do not keep a road-killed deer unless a peace officer or authorized AZGFD employee issues the salvage permit.
Helpful guides
- Who removes dead animals on roads?
- Dead animal on private property: whose job is it?
- Dead deer removal: roads, yards and salvage permits
- Dead animal under a house or in a wall: finding it and the smell