05/30/2026
LET'S TALK ABOUT FAWNS!!! 🦌
It is completely normal to see fawns & other wildlife alone. It is natural for wildlife offspring to be left alone while the parents are close by, typically looking for food. Fawns are left by their mother in a location for up to 24 hours while mom replenishes her milk supply.
The majority of the time there is no need to intervene.
Things to notice & when to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator:
1. Obvious visual injury (blood, open wounds)
2. The presence of flies and/or fly eggs (this is an emergency)
3. Fawn hasn't moved from that exact spot in 48 hours
4. Fawn is walking around crying
5. Fawn is sitting next to an injured or deceased mother
6. Fawn is laying flat out on its side with the head down
Also, just because the ears are wrinkled, does not mean the fawn needs to go into rehab or needs help. This is inaccurate information just like if a human touches a baby bird the parents will reject it. Many times the fawn was just born & the mother leaves her newborn alone to avoid predators finding them & so the fawn can rest safely until she returns. Again, this is very common in the animal world since like many of us, they also can not afford child care.
If you have concerns, take photos & text them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator BEFORE removing the fawn.
Use your state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or AnimalHelpNow.org to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
