West Virginia Clarified Roadkill Removal Policy
Residents should report animal collisions on public roads to state maintenance crews for safe removal.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Wildlife
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The West Virginia Division of Highways maintains a service to clear animal carcasses from public roadways to ensure safer travel. This policy affects drivers statewide, particularly as West Virginians face a significantly higher frequency of animal collisions than the national average.
Why it matters
High rates of animal-vehicle collisions necessitate clear disposal procedures to maintain road safety for all commuters. Understanding who is responsible for clearing debris helps keep local transit routes functional.
State data indicates that 1 in 40 West Virginia motorists hit an animal on the road, compared to the 1 in 160 national average. Residents can report incidents to the Division of Highways through the 1-833-WVROADS hotline.
The players
West Virginia Division of Highways
The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining public transportation infrastructure and roadway safety initiatives.
The details
The West Virginia Division of Highways handles the removal of animals from public roads to clear routes for travelers. When an animal is located near a guardrail, crews may apply lime to the carcass for sanitary disposal. The agency does not clear debris from private property, creeks, or roadbeds, as these fall outside their jurisdiction for roadway maintenance.
Timeline
Monday: The Division of Highways Communications Director discussed the roadkill policy on MetroNews.
The Home Front
This service addresses the operational challenges of rural road maintenance in a state consistently ranked with the highest animal-vehicle collision rates in the country. It highlights the gap between public demand for roadway clearance and the jurisdictional limits of state infrastructure agencies.
If you encounter a deceased animal on a public road, contact the Division of Highways through the 1-833-WVROADS hotline. If you witness a collision where the animal remains alive, call 911 immediately to report the situation.
The takeaway
Understanding the limits of state services ensures you know exactly when to call for road maintenance. Keep the 1-833-WVROADS hotline saved in your phone if you frequently commute on rural state routes.
Further reading
For more information on living alongside local fauna, visit Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
Live Poll
Should your state government take more responsibility for removing animal carcasses from near-roadway areas?
