06/10/2026
PLEASE DON’T FAWN-NAP THE FAWNS
A fawn lying quietly by itself is usually not abandoned, sick, or waiting for someone to rescue it. It is in camouflage mode.
During the first few weeks of life, a mother deer deliberately hides her fawn and moves away to eat. This helps prevent her scent and activity from leading predators directly to the baby. The fawn’s job is to lie flat, remain quiet, and stay completely still even when someone approaches.
That means a quiet fawn in the grass is not asking for a ride.
Before touching, feeding, moving, loading, or transporting a wild fawn, STOP and call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Do not bring a fawn to our clinic without first receiving instructions from FWC or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
A fawn that is probably hiding normally may:
• Be lying quietly on its belly
• Remain motionless when approached
• Be alone for several hours
• Have bright, alert eyes
• Have no visible wounds or other signs of illness
A fawn may need professional help if:
• Its mother is confirmed dead nearby
• It has been struck by a vehicle or attacked by a dog
• It is bleeding, has an obvious broken limb, or has open wounds
• Flies, fly eggs, or maggots are present
• It has diarrhea or heavily soiled fur
• It appears extremely weak, thin, cold, collapsed, or unable to stand
• It is lying stretched out flat on its side
• It is wandering, following people, or crying continuously
• Its eyes appear dull or sunken and its coat appears rough or unkempt
Curled or crinkled ear tips can sometimes accompany dehydration, but ear shape alone does not prove that a fawn has been abandoned. Some healthy fawns naturally have curled ears. Look at the entire animal and call an expert before acting.
Handling wildlife also carries risks for people and pets. Wild deer may carry ticks and other parasites, and frightened or injured animals can bite, kick, or struggle. Removing a healthy fawn can interrupt nursing, separate it from its mother, expose it to severe stress, and interfere with the natural behavior it needs to survive in the wild. Improper feeding can also cause serious illness or death.
Your presence may prevent the mother from returning, so keep children and pets away, note the exact location, take photographs from a distance if needed, and quietly leave the area.
Call before putting your hands on wildlife:
FWC Southwest Regional Office: 863-648-3200
FWC Wildlife Alert: 888-404-FWCC (3922)
The current FWC list also identifies a permitted Hernando County rehabilitator for small and large mammals:
Linda Christian: 352-650-2892
Nature World Wildlife Rescue: 352-621-5575
Please call before transporting any animal.
Good intentions do not always equal good outcomes. Sometimes the kindest and safest rescue is to leave the fawn exactly where its mother left it.
Please share this post. A quick share could prevent a well-meaning person from accidentally putting a healthy fawn in danger.
