Who to call by state
Nebraska
In Nebraska, who handles a dead animal depends a lot on where it is: state highways are generally an NDOT matter, while county roads and city streets are often handled by the local government. Nebraska also has specific Game and Parks rules for roadkilled deer, antelope, and elk, plus separate bird-reporting tools for West Nile and avian influenza concerns.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Road-killed deer salvage
- In Nebraska, a resident may take possession of a roadkilled deer, antelope, or elk, but Game and Parks must be notified within 24 hours, the carcass must be tagged, and the meat cannot be sold or traded.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Nebraska
Use this state contact form for non-emergency issues on Nebraska state highways; the page says emergencies should be reported to 911 or local law enforcement.
Find the nearest Nebraska Game and Parks office to ask about salvage tags, sick wildlife, or roadkilled big game.
Game and Parks says to report sick or potentially sick wildlife to the nearest office.
Official guidance for reporting dead wild birds near avian influenza detections and avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
Official public reporting form for dead birds during West Nile virus season.
Key facts for Nebraska
- Nebraska counties are responsible for maintaining roads and bridges within their jurisdiction.
- On unpaved roads along a city boundary, a county may maintain the full width of the road, including the part inside city limits.
- For roadkilled deer, antelope, or elk, the person in the crash gets first choice to possess the animal.
- If you pick up a roadkilled deer, antelope, or elk, Game and Parks must be notified within 24 hours.
- In Nebraska, meat from a salvaged roadkilled deer, antelope, or elk cannot be sold or traded.
- DHHS encourages the public to report dead bird sightings from June 1 through September 30 for West Nile tracking.
What to do next
- If the animal is on an Interstate, U.S. highway, or Nebraska state highway, use NDOT for non-emergencies; if it is dangerous or blocking traffic, call 911 or local law enforcement.
- If it is on a county road or rural local road, contact the county roads/highway department or sheriff; inside city limits, contact city public works or police non-emergency.
- If you want to keep a roadkilled deer, antelope, or elk, contact Nebraska Game and Parks immediately and do not process it before getting the salvage tag.
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