Who to call by state
Washington
In Washington, WSDOT says its maintenance crews remove animal carcasses that are a hazard or distraction on state highways, but reports for state highways are routed through the local Washington State Patrol district office or local law enforcement. Washington also has a statewide WDFW roadkill-salvage program for deer and elk, plus an online WDFW reporting tool for sick or dead wild birds and other wildlife. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/wildlife-habitat-connectivity?utm_source=openai))
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
- Washington allows salvage of deer and elk killed by motor vehicles, but the person taking the animal must obtain a free WDFW permit within 24 hours; additional CWD testing rules apply in the Eastern Region, and Columbian white-tailed deer may not be salvaged. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/roadkill-salvage?utm_source=openai))
- Report dead birds or sick wildlife
- Official page →
Official resources in Washington
Explains that WSDOT removes carcasses on state highways and says residents should report dead animals on state highways through local WSP district offices or local law enforcement. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/wildlife-habitat-connectivity?utm_source=openai))
Lists Washington State Patrol district office contact information residents can use when WSDOT says to report a dead animal on a state highway through WSP. ([wsp.wa.gov](https://wsp.wa.gov/contact-2/?utm_source=openai))
Provides the free permit process and current rules for salvaging road-killed deer or elk in Washington. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/roadkill-salvage?utm_source=openai))
Online tool to report sick, injured, or dead wildlife, including wild birds in Washington. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations?utm_source=openai))
State health page that points residents to WDFW for wild sick or dead bird reporting and WSDA for domestic poultry reporting. ([doh.wa.gov](https://doh.wa.gov/tsz/node/9579?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Washington
- WSDOT says its crews remove carcasses that are a hazard or distraction from state highways. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/wildlife-habitat-connectivity?utm_source=openai))
- For a dead animal on a state highway, WSDOT directs residents to contact the local WSP district office or local law enforcement. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/wildlife-habitat-connectivity?utm_source=openai))
- WDFW says Washington roadkill salvage applies to deer and elk killed by motor vehicles. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/roadkill-salvage?utm_source=openai))
- Anyone taking a road-killed deer or elk must get a free WDFW salvage permit within 24 hours. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/roadkill-salvage?utm_source=openai))
- Since May 17, 2025, salvaged deer or elk from WDFW's Eastern Region (100-series GMUs) must be submitted for CWD testing within five days. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/roadkill-salvage?utm_source=openai))
- Counties are responsible for 60% of Washington roadways; on non-state roads, reporting is typically through county roads/public works or city animal control/public works. ([wsac.org](https://wsac.org/countyroads/))
What to do next
- First confirm whether the road is a state route; if it is, use WSP or local law enforcement so the report reaches the correct WSDOT maintenance office. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/wildlife-habitat-connectivity?utm_source=openai))
- If the carcass is on a city street or county road instead of a state highway, contact the local city animal control/public works office or county roads/public works office. ([seattle.gov](https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/animal-control?utm_source=openai))
- Do not touch sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife; report them through WDFW's online tool instead. ([wdfw.wa.gov](https://wdfw.wa.gov/birdflu?utm_source=openai))
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