Who’s Responsible for Removing Dead Deer From Michigan’s Roads?

If there’s one thing you can count on seeing in Michigan, it’s a dead deer on the side of the road. They are everywhere, especially along I-69. The expressway is littered with carcasses. Drive with your windows down, and you can literally smell death in the air. It’s gross.

With so many deer getting blasted by cars, it makes you wonder: who’s actually responsible for cleaning that up?

Who’s Responsible for Removing Dead Deer From Michigan’s Roads?

The short answer: it depends on where the deer is.

On Michigan’s highways and interstates, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is usually the one that takes care of it. If a deer is lying in the middle of the lane, it will get handled quickly. Call 911, and law enforcement will make sure a crew comes out. You can even report it yourself through MDOT’s “Report a Road Issue” tool online.

When it comes to smaller local roads, that is usually on the county road commission or the township. Every county does things a little differently, but most of the time, they will only bother if the deer is blocking traffic or creating a hazard.

If it is just off in a ditch, do not be surprised if it sits there for a while. There's a good chance it'll never get cleaned up unless someone complains.

See Also: A Deer Got Hit and Landed in Your Michigan Yard—Now What?

So the next time you see a deer along I-69 or a back road in Genesee County, now you know, there’s actually a system in place. It just might take a little time before the cleanup crew shows up.