05/25/2021
Our annual reminder.
What should (or shouldn’t) you do if you find a fawn?
Here's some wisdom from Legendary Whitetails:
If you come across a fawn that doesn’t run off, don’t let it fool you into thinking it’s injured. This is simply the response mechanism of newborns – they crouch their head and remain motionless. Even though they look incredibly adorable and may seem like they are in need, don’t touch them. Simply snap a picture and go about your day.
While you should avoid touching fawns if possible, it’s not entirely detrimental to move them if you have to. Contrary to popular belief, a mother will not abandon a fawn that has been touched by a human, as long as it’s left alone and stays in the nearby area. For instance, if the fawn is in an unsafe place such as a hay field that’s ready to be mowed, it is perfectly fine to pick up the fawn and move it to a shady spot nearby. Place it in some cover so it’s not easily exposed and the mother will find it once you leave.
Moving fawns if you absolutely need to is fine, but do not try to care for the animal. Don’t try to give it any type of milk or food. Chances are the mom is nearby and she will care for her fawn once the danger has gone away. It’s always best to let wild animals fend for themselves . . . they know what they are doing.
Other Fun Fawn Facts: Does that have twin fawns usually stash them in separate locations until they are able to walk and follow her.
Does will clean their fawns and eat the afterbirth and will move the fawn from the birthing spot to the best possible cover within 10 hours. Does go to extreme measures to ensure the safety of their young by removing any predator attracting scent.
Fawns can walk approximately 5 hours after they are born and have decent agility (running) after 5 days.
During the first week, fawns spend 90% of their time bedded down.
Fawns have an average of 300 spots and rely on them as camouflage during the first few months of their life. Their primary defense mechanism during the first week of its life is to remain bedded with their head near the ground like a statue.
Does are usually within 100 hundred yards of their fawns, but typically stay a fair distance from them in order to not attract predators.
Fawns begin to wean off their mother’s milk around the 3rd week and begin to eat and browse on vegetation.
