Tennessee Roads — Who to Call
Dead Deer on the Road?
Who Removes It — and When to Call a Private Service
A dead deer on a Tennessee road is a hazard to drivers, a magnet for scavengers, and a source of confusion about who's responsible for removing it. Here's exactly who to call based on where the deer is — and when the government option isn't fast enough.
(615) 613-5992 — Same-Day Private Removal
Who's Responsible — It Depends on the Road
Metro Nashville Public Works
(615) 862-5000County Highway Departments
Varies by countyWhy a Road Carcass Is a Serious Hazard
Secondary collision risk
Drivers swerving to avoid a carcass cause accidents. A deer on a curve, hill, or high-speed road is an active traffic hazard until it's removed.
Scavenger traffic
Vultures, coyotes, and other scavengers feeding on a roadside carcass create additional hazards — especially vultures that are slow to take flight.
Fluid and odor spread
Decomposition fluids spread across pavement and into drainage ditches. In warm weather, a carcass becomes a fly breeding site within 24 hours.
TDOT response times vary
Government crews handle road carcasses on a schedule. During busy periods, response can take several days — leaving the hazard in place.
Find Your Situation
Match your situation to the right call.
Dead deer on an interstate (I-24, I-40, I-65)
Call TDOT Region 3 at (615) 350-4405. Interstates are state-maintained. For after-hours, use the 24-hour statewide line at 1-800-342-3258.
Call TDOTDead deer on a state highway (US-70, TN-109, etc.)
Call TDOT Region 3 at (615) 350-4405. State routes are TDOT's jurisdiction regardless of which county they pass through.
Call TDOTDead deer on a Nashville city street
Call Metro Nashville Public Works at (615) 862-5000. City streets within Nashville are Metro's responsibility, not TDOT's.
Call Metro NashvilleDead deer on a county road
Contact your county highway department. County-maintained roads are not covered by TDOT or Metro Nashville.
Call County HighwayDead deer on the road shoulder near your property
If the deer is on the road right-of-way, TDOT or the county is responsible — but if you need it gone today, a private service is your fastest option.
Call Private ServiceTDOT was called but hasn't responded in days
Government crews can be delayed. If the carcass is creating a hazard or odor problem and you can't wait, call us for same-day private removal.
Call Private ServiceDead deer hit your vehicle and is now on your property
Once a carcass is on private property, it's your responsibility. Government services won't come onto private land — call us.
Call Private ServiceDead deer near a drainage ditch or water feature
Water-adjacent carcasses require careful extraction to prevent contamination. We handle water-adjacent removal with proper containment.
Call Private ServiceHow to Report a Dead Deer on a Tennessee Road
Identify the road type
Is it an interstate, state highway, county road, or city street? This determines which agency to call. Look for route signs — state routes have a Tennessee shield marker.
Note the exact location
Provide the road name or number, the nearest mile marker or cross street, and which lane or shoulder the carcass is in. The more specific, the faster the response.
Call the right agency
TDOT Region 3: (615) 350-4405. Metro Nashville: (615) 862-5000. After hours on state highways: 1-800-342-3258. For private property or same-day service: (615) 613-5992.
If it's on private property or you need same-day service
Government agencies only handle public roads. For private property, driveways, or when you need it gone today, call Dead Deer Removal of TN.
Need Same-Day Removal? We Respond Fast.
When government response times aren't fast enough — or the deer is on private property — we're your call. Serving all of Middle Tennessee.
(615) 613-5992 — Call Now