IDOT Confirms Removal Of Deer Carcasses From Creek

GREENE COUNTY - Robert Schollmeier of rural Greene County used social media last month to draw attention to what he said were Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) trucks dumping deer carcasses from a bridge into Apple Creek. IDOT later confirmed it was aware of a complaint and said the carcasses had been removed.

On Feb. 22, 2026, Schollmeier, a Greene County resident, posted photos on Facebook showing IDOT trucks on the Belltown Bridge on Illinois 267. He wrote that he believed the trucks were dropping dead deer into the creek.

“I don’t know if this is right, but I got pictures of IDOT state trucks dropping dead deer in Apple Creek,” Schollmeier wrote.

In another post, he wrote, “IDOT is cleaning up the deer they dropped in Apple Creek on 267.”

Schollmeier said he contacted IDOT, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Conservation Police, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency about the incident. He also said he suspected similar activity had happened before, which prompted him to document what he observed.

By Feb. 24, 2026, Schollmeier said the deer carcass situation and the area had been cleaned up.

IDOT issued statements about the situation, saying maintenance crews had been temporarily storing roadkill at the location until it could be incinerated. IDOT said it had discovered “an abundance of deer carcasses” in that area as spring comes.

IDOT said the carcasses were removed for proper disposal and that personnel had been instructed not to use that location again for that purpose. The agency also apologized for any concern it may have caused others.

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