Who to call by state
Minnesota
In Minnesota, roadkill pickup is split by road owner: MnDOT handles interstate, U.S., and state highways, while counties and cities/townships handle their own roads. Minnesota also allows possession of vehicle-killed deer with a state permit, and the DNR is the main agency for reporting sick wildlife or clusters of dead 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
- Yes. In Minnesota, a person may keep a protected wild animal such as a deer killed by a vehicle only with a DNR possession permit; DNR says these permits are available from conservation officers and many local law enforcement agencies, and CWD-zone rules may apply.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Minnesota
Use this MnDOT page to report dead animals or other roadside issues on state highways and interstates, and to confirm whether MnDOT owns the road.
Explains which road authority removes road-killed deer and how Minnesota's possession-permit system works.
Gives extra rules for deer salvaged under a car-kill permit, especially when the deer came from a CWD management zone.
Tells residents when and where to report sick or dead wild birds and mammals of concern.
Explains when to contact DNR staff, when to contact a permitted rehabilitator, and when to leave wildlife alone.
Key facts for Minnesota
- MnDOT is the responsible road authority for road-killed deer on interstate, U.S., and state highways in Minnesota.
- County highway departments handle county-state aid highways and county roads; city or township authorities handle lesser local streets and roads.
- Minnesota DNR says drivers may keep a salvageable vehicle-killed deer at no charge with a possession permit.
- DNR says car-kill deer possession permits are issued by conservation officers and distributed by state and local authorities.
- For five or more dead wild birds in one place at one time, Minnesota DNR asks residents to report the finding.
- For sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, DNR says residents should contact a local permitted rehabilitator before handling or moving the animal.
What to do next
- First confirm the road owner: if it is an interstate or signed state/U.S. highway, report it to MnDOT; otherwise contact the county highway department or city/township public works office.
- If you want to keep a road-killed deer, ask for a Minnesota possession permit before taking it; additional CWD handling and disposal rules may apply by location.
- If you find multiple dead birds or wildlife showing neurological signs, avoid handling them and use the DNR reporting guidance instead of moving them yourself.
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