Who to call by state
Delaware
In Delaware, roadkill on state highways is handled through DelDOT, while sick or disease-related wildlife deaths are routed to DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. Delaware also has a specific deer-collision rule: the driver who struck and killed the deer may keep it after showing visible collision evidence to State Police or a Fish and Wildlife agent.
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
- Delaware law allows the motorist who accidentally struck and killed a deer on a public highway to possess it after showing visible collision evidence to State Police or a Fish and Wildlife agent; I did not find a separate DNREC salvage permit page.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Delaware
Use this DelDOT form to report a dead animal on or near a state roadway by selecting the appropriate condition type.
Explains which wildlife deaths or illnesses to report, what not to report, and safety precautions.
This is DNREC’s reporting page for sick wildlife or dead wildlife that may have died from illness, including birds.
Gives Delaware-specific guidance on dead or sick wild birds and what to do during avian influenza concerns.
Shows a city example: Wilmington routes local service requests through Wilmington 311 to Public Works, which handles city street and sanitation issues.
Key facts for Delaware
- DNREC directs residents to use DelDOT’s Report Road Condition tool for dead animals on or near roadways, selecting “Dead Animal.”
- DelDOT’s roadway-condition page is the online state reporting form for non-911 road hazards, including debris and dead animals.
- Wilmington routes resident service requests through Wilmington 311 to the Department of Public Works, which handles city sanitation, street cleaning, and transportation services.
- DNREC’s wildlife mortality survey covers birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, but not pets, livestock, fish, or crabs.
- If five or more sick or dead wild animals are at one location, DNREC says to also call division staff.
- Delaware law lets the driver who struck and killed a deer keep it after showing visible collision evidence to State Police or a Fish and Wildlife agent.
What to do next
- If the carcass is on a state highway or shoulder, submit DelDOT’s road-condition form and include the route, nearest intersection, direction, and county.
- If the animal looks sick, or several wild animals are dead in one place, use DNREC’s wildlife mortality report rather than only filing a road complaint.
- If you personally struck a deer and want to keep it, document visible vehicle damage and contact State Police or a Fish and Wildlife agent before taking possession.
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