Who to call by state
Texas
In Texas, dead animals on state-maintained highways are handled through TxDOT, while roads that are not part of the state highway system are handled by local city or county authorities. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says residents cannot legally tag and keep a road-killed deer, and Texas health/wildlife agencies have separate reporting paths for dead birds, poultry, and other sick wildlife.
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
- Texas Parks and Wildlife says it is illegal to tag a road-killed deer and take it with you.
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Texas
Use this TxDOT form to report something on a TxDOT-maintained highway, including road hazards; for immediate road conditions requiring attention, the page also publishes a hotline.
This TPWD FAQ explains what to do after a deer is hit, states that TxDOT removes dead deer from highways, and says taking a road-killed deer is illegal.
Use this TPWD page to find permitted wildlife rehabilitators if you find an injured or orphaned wild animal.
This DSHS page gives Texas reporting instructions for sick or dead poultry and for sick or dead wild waterfowl.
Key facts for Texas
- TxDOT's reporting page says TxDOT does not maintain non-state roads in city, town, or county jurisdictions; residents should contact local authorities there.
- TPWD FAQ: if a deer is dead, you may move it off the roadway and leave it there; TxDOT will remove the dead animal.
- TPWD FAQ: it is illegal to tag a road-killed deer and take it with you.
- TxDOT's maintenance manual says animal remains should be removed promptly from the roadway and disposed of properly.
- TxDOT's manual says within city limits, the city is responsible for litter pickup on designated state highways except controlled-access highways, where TxDOT is responsible.
- Texas DSHS says sick or dead waterfowl, five or more in one place, should be reported to TPWD's Spills and Kills Team or TPWD 24 Hour Communications Center.
What to do next
- If the carcass is on a state highway, submit a TxDOT 'Something On Road' report; for immediate road conditions, use the hotline published on that page: 800-558-9368.
- If the animal is on a city street or county road, contact the local city public works/311 or county road-and-bridge office because TxDOT says non-state roads are handled locally.
- Do not keep a road-killed deer in Texas; if you find injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife, use TPWD's rehabber directory or the bird/wildlife reporting pages above.
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