06/08/2026
🦌 FAWN SEASON IS HERE — PLEASE READ BEFORE “RESCUING” A FAWN 🦌
During fawn season, we receive many calls about fawns that people believe have been abandoned. The good news is that most of these fawns are perfectly healthy and do not need to be rescued.
We ALWAYS encourage people to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if they are concerned. We’d much rather answer questions than have a fawn truly need help and not receive it.
Here are some important things to know:
🦌 “The fawn is all alone.”
This is completely normal. Mother deer leave their fawns hidden for long periods while they feed nearby. A doe may only return a few times a day to nurse her baby and will stay away if people, pets, or other activity are present.
🦌 “I haven’t seen mom all day.”
That doesn’t mean the fawn has been abandoned. Does intentionally stay away from their babies to avoid attracting predators. She is likely watching from a distance and waiting until the area is quiet before returning.
🦌 “The fawn is crying.”
Young fawns sometimes cry while waiting for mom to return. Occasional crying is normal. Continuous crying for several hours may indicate a problem and should be evaluated by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
🦌 “The fawn looks skinny.”
Newborn fawns are naturally lean and often appear fragile. This alone is not a reason to remove them from the wild.
🦌 “The fawn followed me.”
Very young fawns have not fully bonded with their mother and may follow people, pets, or other animals when hungry. This does not mean they are abandoned.
🚫 PLEASE DO NOT FEED A FAWN
Never give cow’s milk, goat’s milk, formula, or water by bottle unless directed by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Improper feeding can quickly make a fawn sick and may even be fatal.
⚠️ SIGNS A FAWN MAY NEED HELP:
• Lying flat on its side and unable to get up
• Flies gathering around the eyes, ears, or body
• Visible wounds or injuries
• Severe weakness or inability to stand
• Deep sunken areas around the eyes
• Crying continuously for several hours
• Found next to a deceased doe
• Covered in ants or showing signs of illness
If you find a fawn and aren’t sure whether it needs help, contact Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife before intervening. A quick phone call can help determine whether the fawn needs rescue or simply needs to be left safely where mom can return.
🦌 Remember: Mom often knows exactly where her baby is. A fawn found alone is not necessarily an orphan, and removing a healthy fawn from the wild can sometimes do more harm than good.
Current Needs
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1229C3JQBENZ3?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_N5BGE42HCVM39SET7F1S&language=en-US
If you would like to give a donation to go towards the care of OK wildlife in our care, follow the link below. Thank you
https://givebutter.com/southern-ok-second-chance-wildlife-rehabilitation-foundation
