Who to call by state
California
In California, dead-animal response is split by jurisdiction: Caltrans handles the State Highway System, while city or county roads are generally handled by the local roads/public works department. For wildlife health, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) runs statewide mortality reporting, and individual dead-bird reports can also support California Department of Public Health West Nile surveillance. ([dot.ca.gov](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/public-affairs/faqs))
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 →
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in California
Use this online form to report a maintenance issue on the California State Highway System; Caltrans says emergencies should go to 911 or CHP. ([csr.dot.ca.gov](https://csr.dot.ca.gov/))
Use this page to confirm Caltrans jurisdiction and that local city/county roads should be reported to the local roads or public works department. ([dot.ca.gov](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/public-affairs/faqs))
Use this CDFW form to report dead wildlife statewide, including sick or dead deer or elk. ([wildlife.ca.gov](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Investigations/Monitoring/Mortality-Report))
Use this page for reporting wild bird mortality and for directions on reporting sick or injured wild birds. ([wildlife.ca.gov](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Avian-Investigations))
Use this California Department of Public Health page to file an online report for an individual dead bird for West Nile surveillance. ([westnile.ca.gov](https://westnile.ca.gov/))
Key facts for California
- California Streets and Highways Code §91.8 requires Caltrans to establish procedures to remove and dispose of animal carcasses on state highways. ([leginfo.legislature.ca.gov](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?article=3.&chapter=1.&division=1.&lawCode=SHC&part=&title=&utm_source=openai))
- Caltrans says maintenance issues on the State Highway System can be reported through its Customer Service Request form; highway emergencies should go to 911 or CHP. ([csr.dot.ca.gov](https://csr.dot.ca.gov/))
- Caltrans says it does not have jurisdiction over local city and county roads; residents should contact the local roads/public works department. ([dot.ca.gov](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/public-affairs/faqs))
- CDFW says local Animal Services handles domestic animals, living or dead, on private or public property. ([wildlife.ca.gov](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Living-with-Wildlife/Nuisance-Wildlife))
- CDFW prefers its online mortality report for sick or dead deer or elk, especially animals that look wasted or stagger. ([wildlife.ca.gov](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/CWD))
- CDFW says wild bird mortality can be reported through its online form; individual dead birds may also be reported to CDPH’s dead-bird form. ([wildlife.ca.gov](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Avian-Investigations))
What to do next
- If the animal is on a California state highway, submit a Caltrans service request with the exact route and location; if traffic is endangered, call 911 or CHP instead. ([csr.dot.ca.gov](https://csr.dot.ca.gov/))
- If the carcass is on a city or county street, contact the local roads/public works department; for domestic animals on property, contact local Animal Services. ([dot.ca.gov](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/public-affairs/faqs))
- For wild birds or sick/dead deer and elk, file a CDFW mortality report and include photos or location details if you can do so safely. ([wildlife.ca.gov](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Investigations/Monitoring/Mortality-Report))
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