Think Twice Before "Rescuing" White-Tailed Fawns

In late May and early June, white-tailed deer females (does) give birth to their fawns.  The Maryland DNR reminds people who may encounter fawns this spring to leave them undisturbed.

Though they weigh less than 8 lbs at birth, fawns grow quickly due to the nourishment of the protein-rich milk provided by their mothers. White-tailed does must feed often during the day in order to support nursing fawns. During these feeding periods, which may last many hours, does will often leave their fawns safely nestled in nearby woods or fields as they move about to feed. It is often during these times that humans encounter fawns and mistakenly believe them to be orphaned.

Newborn fawns have almost no body odor and their spotted, reddish-brown coat makes them almost invisible to predators. Instinctively, fawns lie motionless when approached by a potential predator or another animal. This seemingly helpless state is a survival adaptation that helps white-tailed deer survive. Despite this adaptation, curious fawns will also sometimes wander around in their new surroundings. In either case, the mother doe is always close by, even though you may not see her.

“Too often, well-intentioned people mistakenly remove fawns from the wild believing that they are helping an orphaned animal. Hours later, when the mother doe returns to nurse, she finds that her fawn is gone,” explains Brian Eyler, Department of Natural Resources Deer Project Leader. “There is no substitute for the care that a white-tailed doe can give her fawn. So, if you truly care about the well-being of a white-tailed deer fawn, leave it alone.”

If you encounter a young fawn hiding on the ground, never try to catch it. If the fawn is lying down, enjoy the moment and then quietly walk away. If the fawn attempts to follow you, gently push on its shoulders until it lies down and then slowly walk away, same as the mother doe would if she wanted the fawn to stay put.

Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law. Furthermore, the unnatural conditions of life in captivity can lead to malnutrition, injury and stress at the hands of a well-meaning captor. Wild animals that become accustomed to humans can pose health risks and become dangerous as they mature. Remember, if you observe a fawn, enjoy the moment, and leave it alone!

Individuals with questions regarding fawns or other young wild animals are encouraged to call the Department of Natural Resources’ Toll-Free Information Line at 877-463-6497 or DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.

Additional information is available online the Department of Natural Resources website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife.

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