Late April through June is the typical fawn birthing season in our area. Many calls come from concerned citizens who find a fawn and believe that it is orphaned or abandoned. The Doe deer does not stay with the young fawn. Until the fawn is several weeks of age, it will be left by the mother to lay quietly in one spot until the mother deer comes back to feed and move the fawn to a new area.

Anyone finding a young fawn that is lying on the ground curled up in one spot, or just standing still in one spot should leave the fawn alone. If you have already brought it home, you should return it immediately to the same spot where you found it. The only time a fawn should be rescued is if the mother is known to be dead. Or if the young fawn is found wandering aimlessly, possibly following a person or family pet, and making a BLEATING sound. If the inside of the mouth is cold, and the hooves feel cold, the fawn may need to be rescued. Rescued fawns should be warmed in a heating blanket, and not fed without instructions from a wildlife rehabilitator. Cow's milk products can kill a young fawn.

If you need additional rescue information, please see the General Guidance section of this web site.