Don’t be a fawn napper

Finding a tiny fawn curled up alone can make it look abandoned — but this is completely normal and exactly what Mom intends.

For the first weeks of life, mother deer strategically leave their fawns hidden alone for long periods of time. A young fawn has very little scent, while Mom’s presence can attract predators. She stays away, returning periodically to nurse before leaving again.

A fawn being alone does NOT mean it has been abandoned.

If you find one:

• Leave it exactly where it is and give it plenty of space.
• Keep dogs, children, and curious onlookers away.
• Do not feed it, give it water, or move it to a “safer” location. Mom knows where she left her baby.
• Don’t assume it’s orphaned just because you haven’t seen Mom. She may be watching from a distance and waiting for you to leave.

A healthy fawn that is quiet, curled up, and staying put is usually doing exactly what a healthy baby deer should be doing.

🚨 A fawn may actually need help if it is visibly injured, covered in flies or maggots, weak or unresponsive, continuously wandering and crying, or if its mother is confirmed dead nearby. In those situations, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before taking the fawn.

Please remember: wildlife mothers don’t parent the way humans do. What looks like abandonment to us is often an incredible survival strategy.

❤️ When in doubt, call before you intervene. Sometimes the best rescue is leaving a baby exactly where Mom put it.