Fawn Rescue Info

Deer are incredible mothers — and our goal is always to keep babies with their mom. It is not uncommon to find a small fawn sitting patiently in your yard, garden, or even bushes right by your front door! Why? Because mom knows the closer her baby is to noise and distractions, the less likely her baby is to be attacked by a predator.

But why does she just leave them alone? Fawns are born with no scent, so if mom hangs around (who does have a scent) she risks attracting predators to her baby. This is why we ask homeowners to never touch a baby fawn in their yard — your scent puts her at danger!

But you haven’t seen mom around! Now what? Don’t panic! Mom only comes 2 times a day to feed her fawn. Those feedings are at dawn and dusk and she is in and out and quick as possible, so you will most likely never see her.

However, sometimes fawns DO need help! How can you tell?

• There are flies circling the fawn

• The fawn is crying nonstop for hours

• They were attacked by a domestic or wild animal

• They are running up to humans, trying to suckle on their hand

• They are lying flat on the ground, instead of curled up

• The fur sticking up or fluffy fur on the head, curled ears, and sunken temples may also be signs of dehydration and distress.

PLEASE don’t kidnap fawns. Always call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, center, or veterinarian before intervening or touching a fawn!