Who to call by state
Kansas
In Kansas, dead animals on state highways are handled through KDOT’s highway reporting/contact channels, while most other road cleanup starts with the local road authority. KDWP separately sets the wildlife rules Kansas residents need for road-killed deer and for reporting clusters of dead or sick birds.
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
- Kansas allows salvage of a road-killed deer only with a salvage tag obtained before removal; KDWP says tags may be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWP game wardens.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Kansas
Use this page for KDOT’s published highway reporting guidance, including *47 for immediate road hazards on Kansas highways.
Lists KDOT district and area offices residents can contact when a dead animal is on a state highway.
Explains what to do after hitting an animal and gives Kansas road-killed deer salvage-tag rules.
Tells residents not to handle sick or dead birds and when to contact a KDWP regional office.
Provides KDWP regional office contacts and the department contact form for wildlife questions.
Key facts for Kansas
- KDOT’s contact page says dial *47 for immediate assistance or to report a road hazard on Kansas highways. (KDOT Contact Us)
- KDWP says troopers or local law enforcement handle removing animals from the road after a crash. (KDWP Wildlife Vehicle Crashes)
- KDWP requires a salvage tag before removing a deer carcass or any part from a crash site. (KDWP Wildlife Vehicle Crashes)
- KDWP says salvage tags may be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWP game wardens. (KDWP Wildlife Vehicle Crashes)
- Kansas statute 8-2005 says counties maintain county roads; in some counties, townships maintain local township roads. (Kansas Legislature)
- KDWP says if you find 5 or more sick or dead birds, contact a KDWP regional office. (KDWP Avian Influenza)
What to do next
- If the carcass is on a KDOT route, use KDOT’s contact page and treat it as a highway hazard if it is obstructing traffic.
- If the road is not a state highway, start with the local road authority: county road-and-bridge/public works, township if applicable, or city street/public works staff.
- Do not move a road-killed deer before getting a salvage tag, and do not handle sick or dead birds before contacting KDWP when needed.
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