Can you save a fawn?

Table of Contents

It’s often best to leave fawns where you find them, as their mothers are usually nearby. While well-intentioned, intervening can ultimately harm the fawn’s chances of survival. However, in certain circumstances, rescue and rehabilitation are necessary.

Understanding the Natural Behavior of Fawns

The endearing image of a spotted fawn alone in the woods often triggers a well-meaning impulse to rescue it. However, understanding the natural behavior of white-tailed deer (and other deer species) is crucial before intervening. Deer mothers, or does, frequently leave their fawns unattended for extended periods, often spending hours away foraging for food. This behavior is a survival strategy designed to protect the vulnerable fawn from predators.

Fawns have minimal scent when very young, making them difficult for predators to detect. The mother’s absence further reduces the risk of drawing attention to the fawn’s location. The doe will return periodically to nurse and groom the fawn, but otherwise keeps her distance.

When Intervention Is Necessary: Recognizing Signs of Distress

While leaving fawns undisturbed is generally the best course of action, there are specific situations that warrant intervention. Identifying these situations requires careful observation and judgment.

Obvious Injury: If the fawn has visible wounds, broken limbs, or is bleeding, it requires immediate veterinary attention.
Presence of Deceased Doe: If you find a fawn near a deceased doe (e.g., hit by a car), the fawn is likely orphaned and needs assistance.
Persistent Distress Calls: Fawns typically remain quiet when alone. If a fawn is constantly bleating for an extended period (several hours), it may be genuinely distressed and orphaned or abandoned.
Signs of Emaciation or Dehydration: A visibly thin fawn with ribs showing or sunken eyes may be suffering from malnutrition or dehydration.
Fawn Approaching Humans: Healthy fawns will generally avoid human contact. A fawn that approaches humans, especially repeatedly, may be desperate for food or water.

The Process of Rescue and Rehabilitation

If intervention is deemed necessary, it’s crucial to handle the situation correctly to maximize the fawn’s chances of survival.

Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: This is the most important step. Rehabilitators have the expertise, facilities, and permits necessary to care for orphaned or injured fawns. Contact your local wildlife agency or humane society to find a licensed rehabilitator in your area.
Capture and Transport: Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to minimize human scent transfer. Gently cover the fawn with a blanket or towel to reduce stress. Place the fawn in a well-ventilated box or carrier.
Provide Temporary Care (If Necessary): While awaiting transport to the rehabilitator, keep the fawn in a quiet, dark, and warm place. Do not attempt to feed the fawn unless specifically instructed by the rehabilitator. Giving a fawn the wrong type of milk can cause severe digestive problems.
Follow the Rehabilitator’s Instructions: Once the fawn is in the care of a licensed rehabilitator, follow their instructions regarding updates and potential release.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Well-intentioned individuals can inadvertently harm fawns by making common mistakes.

Assuming a Fawn is Orphaned: This is the most frequent error. As mentioned earlier, does routinely leave their fawns unattended.
Feeding the Fawn Improperly: Cow’s milk or human baby formula are not suitable for fawns and can cause severe digestive problems. Always consult with a rehabilitator about appropriate feeding protocols.
Keeping the Fawn as a Pet: It is illegal in most jurisdictions to possess a wild animal without the proper permits. Furthermore, domesticating a wild animal deprives it of its natural instincts and abilities to survive in the wild.
Exposing the Fawn to Human Scent: Minimize handling and wear gloves to avoid transferring human scent to the fawn. Predator scents can deter the mother from returning.
Releasing the Fawn Prematurely: Releasing a fawn that is not fully weaned or lacks survival skills significantly reduces its chances of survival. Rehabilitators will ensure the fawn is properly prepared for release.

Table: Dos and Don’ts When Finding a Fawn

DO	DON’T
:—————————————————————-	:——————————————————————
Observe the fawn from a distance.	Assume the fawn is orphaned without careful observation.
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately if concerned.	Feed the fawn cow’s milk or other inappropriate food.
Wear gloves when handling the fawn.	Keep the fawn as a pet.
Place the fawn in a quiet, dark, and warm place.	Expose the fawn to excessive human contact or noise.
Follow the rehabilitator’s instructions.	Release the fawn prematurely without consulting a professional.

Bullet List: Supporting Local Wildlife Rehabilitation

Donate Funds: Wildlife rehabilitators rely on donations to cover the costs of food, medical care, and facilities.
Volunteer Time: Many rehabilitation centers welcome volunteers to assist with animal care, cleaning, and administrative tasks.
Educate Others: Share accurate information about wildlife behavior and the importance of responsible intervention.
Report Injured or Orphaned Wildlife: Alert local authorities to any injured or orphaned animals you encounter.
Support Legislation: Advocate for policies that protect wildlife and support wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a mother deer reject her fawn if it smells like a human?

While it’s best to minimize human contact and scent transfer, does are not likely to reject their fawns solely based on human scent. However, excessive handling and exposure to strong human odors can make the fawn more vulnerable to predators and potentially deter the doe from returning if the fawn seems ‘wrong’ or overly agitated.

How long will a mother deer leave her fawn alone?

Does typically leave their fawns alone for several hours at a time, sometimes up to 12 hours or more, especially during the day. This behavior is normal and allows the doe to forage for food without drawing attention to the fawn.

What should I do if I accidentally touched a fawn?

If you accidentally touched a fawn, the best course of action is to leave it alone. Observe the fawn from a distance to see if the mother returns. If you are very concerned, you can gently wipe the fawn down with a cloth dampened with fresh soil to mask any scent. However, in most cases, the doe will still return.

What do fawns eat?

Newborn fawns rely exclusively on their mother’s milk. As they grow, they gradually transition to a diet of grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. Never attempt to feed a fawn without consulting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

How old does a fawn need to be to survive on its own?

Fawns typically become independent around 3-4 months of age, when they are fully weaned and have developed the necessary survival skills.

Is it legal to keep a fawn I found?

No, it is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep a wild animal, including a fawn, without the proper permits. Keeping a wild animal as a pet is harmful to the animal and can also pose a risk to humans.

How can I tell if a fawn is truly orphaned?

The most reliable way to determine if a fawn is orphaned is to observe the area for an extended period. If you haven’t seen the doe return for 24 hours, and the fawn shows signs of distress (persistent bleating, emaciation, or approaching humans), it may be orphaned. However, always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening.

What is the best way to transport a fawn to a rehabilitator?

Place the fawn in a sturdy cardboard box or pet carrier lined with soft bedding. Keep the fawn in a quiet, dark, and warm environment during transport. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises.

Can I feed a fawn goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk?

While goat’s milk is slightly better than cow’s milk, it is still not ideal for fawns. It lacks the proper nutrients and can cause digestive problems. Always consult with a wildlife rehabilitator about appropriate feeding protocols.

What are the common predators of fawns?

Common predators of fawns include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears, and birds of prey.

How can I help protect fawns in my area?

You can help protect fawns by driving cautiously, especially during dawn and dusk, to avoid hitting deer. Keep pets under control to prevent them from harassing or injuring fawns. Avoid disturbing deer habitat, and support local wildlife conservation efforts.

What happens to fawns that are successfully rehabilitated?

Successfully rehabilitated fawns are typically released back into their natural habitat in a suitable location, often near where they were found (if safe) or in a protected area. The rehabilitator will assess the fawn’s readiness for release and ensure it has the best chance of survival.