Who to call by state
Louisiana
In Louisiana, a dead animal on a state highway is generally handled through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), while wildlife disease or injured-wildlife reporting goes through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Responsibility also depends on who owns the road: DOTD maintains state-system highways, while many city streets and parish roads are handled by local governments.
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
- LDWF said on April 29, 2026 that possessing a vehicle-hit deer during the closed season is illegal unless proper authorities are notified; the cited case involved not notifying LDWF and local police.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Louisiana
Use this official DOTD contact page for questions or concerns about state transportation issues, including problems on state highways.
Explains Louisiana's official 511 service for state road conditions, closures, and incidents.
Find the nearest LDWF regional or law-enforcement office for wildlife-related reporting and assistance.
LDWF’s current guidance page telling residents not to handle sick or dead birds and to report them to regional LDWF offices.
LDWF guidance on when to leave wildlife alone and how to get help from LDWF or permitted rehabilitators.
Key facts for Louisiana
- DOTD tells drivers to report roadway hazards, including debris, to the Highway Safety Hot Line: 1-800-259-HWAY. (DOTD A-Z)
- Louisiana 511 is DOTD’s official service for statewide road conditions, closures, and incidents by phone, web, and app. (DOTD 511)
- DOTD repairs designated state-system highways through municipalities; many other local streets and roads are municipal or parish responsibilities. (La. R.S. 48:193; 33:3301; 48:753)
- LDWF says sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF offices and should not be handled. (LDWF HPAI news)
- LDWF said possessing a vehicle-hit deer during closed season is illegal unless proper authorities are notified. (LDWF news, Apr. 29, 2026)
What to do next
- If the animal is on a Louisiana state highway, report it to DOTD as a roadway concern and check 511 to confirm the route is state-maintained.
- If it is on a city street or parish road, contact the local city public works, animal control, sheriff, or parish government because local road ownership usually controls removal.
- Do not touch sick wildlife or dead birds; document the location and report through LDWF’s regional offices or directory page.
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