Roadkill : What to Do (and Who to Call) About Dead Deer in New Jersey

Heads Up, Drivers! Peak Deer Mating Season is Here—And Collisions Are Surging

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, if you live in New Jersey, the sight of local wildlife—from foxes to bears—is common. However, between late October and mid-December, a critical window known as the rutting season (mating season), deer activity in the state skyrockets. This increased movement, driven by bucks pursuing does, directly leads to a significant rise in deer-vehicle collisions.

Spotting a dead deer on the roadway is an unpleasant reality this time of year, but many drivers are left wondering: Who is responsible for the cleanup, and what can you do to report it?

Dead Deer Disposal: Jurisdiction Varies by Road

The process for removing a deer carcass in New Jersey is not uniform; it strictly depends on which jurisdiction manages the road where the collision occurred.

1. State Highways & Interstates (NJDOT)

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is responsible for the removal of deer and other animal carcasses from major state highways and interstates (like the I-Routes).

• How to Report: Call 1-800-POTHOLE or use the online NJDOT problem reporting system.
• Toll Roads: Major toll roads, such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, manage their own cleanup.

2. County and Municipal Roads

Local county and municipal agencies handle the removal on roadways under their respective jurisdictions. The process here can vary widely:

• Some Counties (e.g., Sussex, Morris, Essex, Warren): Work with private operators, like Space Farms Zoo and Museum, which utilize the carcass for animal feed before disposing of the remaining parts in a landfill. This is especially efficient during cooler months when spoilage is slower.
• Other Counties (e.g., Bergen, Passaic): May rely on County Road Departments, Animal Control, or contracted private services like Deer Carcass Removal LLC (DCRS). Local police are often the first point of contact.

What to Do if You Spot Roadkill:

1. Contact Local Police: This is often the quickest way to get the ball rolling, as the police will notify the appropriate state, county, or municipal authority.
2. Contact County Authorities: The NJDOT maintains a comprehensive list of county road phone numbers for reporting issues like potholes and dead animals.

🚨 Important Safety Tips: Drive Smart During Rutting Season

The risk of a collision is highest during the morning and evening commutes, especially around sunset, when deer are most active and visibility is lowest.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and NJDOT urge all drivers to follow these critical deer-safe driving guidelines:

• Slow Down Near “Deer Crossing” Signs: Anticipate sudden movements in known high-activity areas.
• Use High Beams: At night (when safe), high beams can reflect off a deer’s eyes, giving you precious seconds of warning.
• Always Assume More Deer: If you see one deer, slow down and watch for two or three others that may be following behind it.
• Brake, Don’t Swerve: If a collision is unavoidable, apply your brakes firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can cause you to lose control, veer into oncoming traffic, or strike a fixed object, which is statistically more likely to result in a serious or fatal accident.
• Hands-Free: Obey the state’s hands-free device law and remain vigilant—bucks can act “silly” and unpredictable during the rut.

⚠️ Legal Alert: It is illegal in New Jersey to possess antlers (racks) from roadkill or naturally deceased deer. Antlers may only be kept from legally hunted deer with a valid possession seal.

 

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