Who to call by state
Georgia
In Georgia, the Georgia Department of Transportation is legally responsible for removing dead animals within the rights-of-way of highways maintained wholly or partly with state funds. For a carcass on a state route or interstate, residents can use GDOT/511 channels; for dead birds or sick wildlife, Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division directs residents to its wildlife health reporting tools.
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 Georgia
GDOT’s online contact form lets residents submit roadway concerns and identify the county and roadway.
511GA says urgent traffic reports and assistance should be reported by calling 511.
Explains that 511GA is GDOT’s official travel information system and that live operator support is available 24/7.
Georgia WRD guidance page for sick, injured, orphaned, or dead wildlife, including reporting and rehabilitator links.
Direct reporting form linked by Georgia WRD for sick or dead wildlife in Georgia.
Key facts for Georgia
- Georgia law says DOT must remove dead animals within rights-of-way of highways maintained totally or partly from state funds. (O.C.G.A. § 4-5-4)
- 511GA is GDOT’s official travel information system, and its contact page says urgent traffic reports and assistance should be reported by calling 511.
- 511GA’s FAQ says live operator support is available 24/7 by dialing 511.
- GDOT’s Fact Book says maintenance requests for state highways: vital issues call 511; non-urgent matters go to the GDOT district office.
- GDOT’s Local Road Activity FAQ cites O.C.G.A. §§ 32-4-41 and 32-4-91: counties and municipalities shall plan, manage, construct, and maintain adequate local road systems.
- Georgia WRD says it is illegal to attempt to care for wildlife in Georgia unless you have a specific permit from DNR.
What to do next
- If the carcass is on an interstate, U.S. route, or Georgia state route, treat it as a GDOT issue: call 511 for urgent hazards, or submit GDOT’s online contact form for non-urgent removal.
- If the animal is on a county road or city street, start with that county road department, public works department, or city public works office because local governments maintain local road systems.
- For dead birds or sick wildlife, use the Georgia DNR wildlife health survey and avoid handling the animal unless public safety requires it.
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