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If You Find Dead Wildlife

DEC's Wildlife Pathology Unit

The Wildlife Pathology Unit (WPU) is responsible for diagnosing and monitoring causes of sickness and death in New York State's amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The WPU also provides forensic wildlife pathology services to DEC's law enforcement division and other agencies, performs field investigations related to the impact of environmental contamination (oil spills, industrial discharges, pesticide use and misuse, hazardous waste sites and landfills) on wildlife, and conducts original research in the fields of wildlife pathology, physiology and toxicology.

Reporting Wildlife Found Dead

Wildlife found dead without obvious cause of death may be of interest to the WPU or other programs within DEC. Also of interest regardless, even if the cause of death appears obvious and ordinary, are cases involving species of special interest or marked specimens (research study animals). Mass mortality or recurring mortality may be especially important. In all cases DEC's Regional Wildlife Offices should be notified to determine what actions, if any, are necessary for submission or disposal of the wildlife in question. If assistance from the Regional Wildlife Offices is not available, call the WPU directly at 518-478-2203 for advice.

  • Exception: Mammals suspected of being rabid (including all bats found indoors where human contact may have occurred), and for which a significant exposure (bite, scratch, contact with saliva or nervous tissue) to humans has occurred, should be reported to local county or municipal health departments.

Submission of Animals for Examination

In most cases, if it is determined that examination of the dead wildlife by the WPU is desirable, Regional DEC staff will collect the animal(s) and arrange for the delivery to the WPU. If for some reason Regional staff is unable to assist in the submission process, direct submission to the WPU may be an option. Call 518-478-2203 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM for advice.

  • Exception: In some DEC Regions, persons reporting dead birds may be directed to contact their local County Health Department (LCD) when West Nile virus surveillance is a concern. In such cases the LCD will assist in submission of the birds to the WPU.

Submitting Specimens-Documentation Requirements

It is important that documentation accompany all submissions. Print and use the submission form or provide the information requested on that form on your own paper. Completing the form is recommended even if you have obtained assistance from DEC personnel (who will ask you the same information).

Handling Dead Animals

Dead wildlife can be a health threat to people and other animals. If professional assistance is unavailable or delayed, the following general guidance is offered:

  • Be sure the animal is dead before you touch it or get too close.
  • Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids. Be careful of teeth, claws, bone splinters or porcupine quills.
  • Prevent exposure to pets or farm animals.
  • If packaging is necessary, enclose in multiple plastic bags. Small animals (squirrel or crow-sized and smaller) can be packaged simply by inserting one or both hands in a bag, grasping the carcass, and enfolding the bag around it. For larger animals, or for carcasses that have been compromised by extensive trauma, decay or maggot infestation, insert the bag into a can/pail/bucket, then use a shovel to deposit the animal into the bag-lined container. Close all bags securely.
  • If examination by the WPU is likely, place the bagged carcass in a cool location.
  • Disinfect implements used in moving carcasses with a bleach solution (see below).
  • Contact us directly at 518-478-2203 if substantial delays are expected, or if you have additional questions.

Carcass Disposal

If there is no reason for submission and it is desirable to dispose of a carcass for sanitary or esthetic reasons, two options exist:

  • Burial in a location that will protect both surface water and ground water from contamination. Keep at least 200 feet away from wells used to supply drinking water. Be sure the carcass is covered with at least 2 feet of soil.
  • Disposal at a landfill. Carcasses should be triple-bagged in all cases.

Disinfection Procedures

In case of exposure or contamination:

  • Skin: Wash skin thoroughly with hot water and soap. Consult your physician if you have sustained an injury (a bite, scratch or puncture).
  • Tools, Instruments, Hard Surfaces: Immerse or flood items with a 10% chlorine bleach solution (1 part household bleach, 9 parts water). Let stand for 10 minutes. Scrub and rinse thoroughly.
  • Clothing: Pre-soak clothing in a 5% chlorine bleach solutions (1 part bleach, 19 parts water) for 10 minutes and then wash with hot water and laundry detergent. To avoid damage to colors or fabrics, other household disinfectant products may be used, although many of these are less effective than chlorine bleach.

Note: Many pathogens are inactivated by heat, drying, and sunlight.

More Information

Links to some of the more common or important wildlife diseases can be found on the Animal Diseases page.