We know it’s spring at the humane society when we start receiving this call: “I found an abandoned fawn! Where can I take it?”
The answer is almost always the same: The fawn isn’t abandoned and you should leave it right where it is.
Female deer hide their newborn fawns in tall grass or brush (or on your lawn, or by your woodpile, or next to your driveway) and move some distance away to feed to avoid drawing predators to their offspring. The fawn simply waits in hiding until its mother returns. Soon, the fawns will be strong enough to follow the does and run from predators, and they no longer need to spend hours alone in hiding.
There are cases where it is okay to help lone fawns. If you notice that a fawn is clearly injured or that it is near a dead adult doe, then yes, please seek help. In Calaveras, Amador, and eastern San Joaquin Counties, our friends at Tri County Wildlife Care are an excellent resource.
But the best advice is usually to leave the fawn alone, and leave the area. The mother deer will typically move her baby every day or so. And remember, if a hidden fawn is discovered on your property, it’s crucial to keep your dogs and your children away from it. Enjoy this springtime miracle — from a big distance. ❤️🐾
