Maryland: Who to call by state

In Maryland’s 23 counties, MDOT State Highway Administration maintains non-toll numbered roads such as interstates, U.S. routes, and Maryland routes; inside Baltimore City, the city DOT maintains local roads, interstates, and numbered routes, except MDTA toll roads. ([roads.maryland.gov](https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?PageId=9)) For dead animals on state-maintained roads, residents can use MDOT SHA’s service-request system, while Maryland DNR directs sick or injured wildlife reports to USDA Wildlife Services and publishes separate bird-related guidance. ([roads.maryland.gov](https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?pageid=519))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in Maryland

MDOT SHA Customer Service

Explains how to report dead animals and other road issues, plus how to tell whether MDOT SHA or a local agency maintains the road.

MDOT SHA Service Request Form

Online form MDOT SHA uses for non-emergency issues on state-maintained roads, including dead animals.

MDOT Know Your Roads map

Official map to check whether a road is maintained by MDOT SHA, MDTA, a county, or a municipality.

Maryland DNR Sick and Injured Wildlife

State wildlife guidance for reporting sick, injured, or nuisance wildlife and finding rehabilitators.

Maryland DNR Avian Influenza Resources

Bird-focused DNR page that tells Maryland residents where to report sick or injured wildlife, including waterfowl.

Key facts for Maryland

MDOT SHA’s service request form specifically includes dead animals as a reportable non-emergency issue. ([roads.maryland.gov](https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?pageid=519))
SHA maintains non-toll numbered roads in Maryland’s 23 counties; county departments handle roads not maintained by SHA. ([roads.maryland.gov](https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?PageId=9))
In Baltimore City, the city DOT maintains local roads, interstates, and numbered routes; MDTA keeps toll roads I-95, I-395, and I-895. ([roads.maryland.gov](https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?pageid=519))
Maryland allows possession of a deer or turkey killed other than hunting if you obtain a DNR confirmation number. ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/08.03.04.03?utm_source=openai))
A deer or turkey taken into possession after roadkill/non-hunting death must be reported within 24 hours; deer must be reported before the head or hide is removed. ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/08.03.04.03?utm_source=openai))
Maryland DNR says possessing a road-killed native bird without a permit is illegal. ([dnr.maryland.gov](https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/plants_wildlife/mbirdtreatyact.aspx))

What to do next

First, check the road in MDOT’s Know Your Roads map; if it is a state-maintained route, file MDOT SHA’s online service request. ([maryland.maps.arcgis.com](https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=14f27a6cab51422dabdfb168ca603482))
If the animal is on a county or municipal road, use that local public works/transportation contact instead of MDOT SHA; MDOT publishes a county roads contact list. ([roads.maryland.gov](https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?PageId=9))
If you want to keep a road-killed deer, get a DNRid, tag it before transport unless already checked in, and obtain the non-harvest confirmation within 24 hours. ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/08.03.04.03?utm_source=openai))

Helpful guides

Who do I call? →

Do you serve Maryland? Get a featured listing for $30/month, clearly labeled as a paid placement.