Tennessee: Who to call by state

In Tennessee, dead animals on interstates and state routes are generally a TDOT maintenance issue, while county roads and city streets are usually handled locally. TWRA, not TDOT, is the state agency for deer-salvage authorization and for reporting sick wildlife or dead birds. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request/?utm_source=openai))

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

Official resources in Tennessee

TDOT Maintenance Request Form

Use this official TDOT form to report maintenance issues on state-owned roads; TDOT says it covers interstates and state routes. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request/?utm_source=openai))

TDOT Debris Removal

TDOT says debris removal on interstates and state highways goes through the maintenance request process; city and county roads go to local government. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/engineering-operations-division/debris-removal.html?utm_source=openai))

TWRA Frequently Asked Questions

TWRA explains who to call for dead deer on state versus county roads and gives Tennessee's road-killed deer possession rules. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai))

TWRA Report Wildlife Encounters, Incidents, or Illness

This TWRA page routes residents to official reporting tools for sick or dead deer, dead turkeys, sick or dead songbirds, and other wildlife issues. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/wildlife/report-wildlife.html?utm_source=openai))

TWRA Report a Dead or Sick Bird

Use this TWRA page and linked form to report dead birds or birds showing neurological symptoms, swollen eyes, or unusual growths. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/sick-birds.html?utm_source=openai))

Key facts for Tennessee

TDOT says it is responsible only for state-owned roads, meaning interstates and state routes. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request/?utm_source=openai))
TDOT directs debris removal reports on interstates and state highways to its maintenance request form. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/engineering-operations-division/debris-removal.html?utm_source=openai))
TWRA says a dead deer on a county road should be reported to the County Road Department. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai))
MTAS says municipal public works may include animal control and dead animal pickup, so city handling commonly falls to public works or animal control. ([mtas.tennessee.edu](https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/reference/public-works-municipal-operations?utm_source=openai))
A deer killed by a motor vehicle may be kept for personal use if TWRA or local law enforcement is notified within 48 hours. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai))
TWRA reviews dead-bird reports and may contact you if testing is warranted; otherwise, dispose of the bird if not contacted within 2 days. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/sick-birds.html?utm_source=openai))

What to do next

If the animal is on an interstate or signed state route, submit TDOT's maintenance request and include the exact route, mile marker, and nearby cross street. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request/?utm_source=openai))
If the animal is on a county road, contact the county road department; if it is on a city street, start with city public works or animal control. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai))
If you want to keep a road-killed deer, notify TWRA or local law enforcement within 48 hours, and contact the local TWRA regional office for found-dead big game authorization questions. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/twra/frequently-asked-questions.html?utm_source=openai))

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