WANTED DEAD . . . ONLY!

How often have you been riding down the freeway, or a city street, and come upon something of strange color, shape and size? Upon closer inspection you realize --yuk! --it’s a dead animal of some sort--a real eye-opener, especially early in the morning. Then you drive by the same pile two or three consecutive days and wonder how long it will be before someone scrapes up the mess.

Sometimes the only way anyone in a position to do something finds out about the problem is through a phone call. Maintenance crews are quite busy and do not necessarily know what remains. It’s just not possible to patrol all the city streets, county roads and freeways in search of sail cats.

The Caltrans maintenance office reports receiving 10-15 calls per week. Callers are usually women and are always very pleasant, if a little shocked at the sight on the road. Here’s a handy reference list for when you come across a coyote carcass. Keep it in the glove compartment of your car. And the next time you see a dead animal on the road you can report it.

To report dead animals on freeways, call Caltrans: (714) 639-6682

In the cities:

Costa Mesa: Call (714) 754-5311 to report a dead animal in the street; you may dispose of your pet at 99 Fair Drive, seven days per week, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or you may have it picked up at no charge. Call the number above to make arrangements.

Laguna Beach: Call (714) 494-1121 (ask for dispatch) to report a dead animal in the street; you may dispose of your pet at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, seven days per week, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., or you may have it picked up at no charge (but donations would be appreciated). Call the number above to make arrangements.

La Habra: Call (213) 905-9750 to report a dead animal in the street; to dispose of your pet call the Orange County Animal Shelter, (714) 834-7419; there is a $25 fee for home pick-up.

Newport Beach: Call (714) 644-3717 to report a dead animal in the street; to dispose of your pet call the Orange County Animal Shelter, (714) 834-7419; there is a $25 fee for home pick-up.

San Clemente: Call (714) 492-1617 to report a dead animal in the street; you may dispose of your pet at 320 Avenida Pico (there is a $5 fee), 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon to 3 p.m. Sundays, or you may have it picked up for a $15 fee. Call the number above to make arrangements.

Santa Ana: Call (714) 647-5198 to report a dead animal in the street; to dispose of your pet call the Orange County Animal Shelter, (714) 834-7419; there is a $25 fee for home pick-up.

Seal Beach: Call (213) 431-2541 to report a dead animal in the street. You may dispose of your pet by calling the number listed above. There is no charge for home pick-up.

Westminster: Call (714) 898-3311 to report a dead animal in the street. You may dispose of your pet by calling the number listed above; there is a $25 fee for home pick-up.

In other cities and unincorporated areas contact the Orange County Animal Shelter at (714) 834-7419. There is a $25 fee for at-home pick-up. Or animals may be delivered to the Orange County Animal Shelter, 561 City Drive, Orange. There is a 24-hour receiving department.

Source: Individual cities.