A fawn is a common sight in many natural and suburban areas, especially during spring and summer. Finding one alone can be concerning, prompting a desire to intervene. This article explains fawn behavior and what actions to take, or not take, based on guidance from wildlife experts.
Natural Fawn Behaviors and Development
For the first few weeks of its life, a fawn is frequently left alone by its mother, the doe. This is a deliberate survival strategy, not abandonment. The doe forages away from her offspring to avoid leading predators to the fawn’s hiding spot with her scent. She returns periodically, usually at dawn and dusk, to nurse the young deer.
A fawn’s primary defense is to remain still and hidden. Its spotted, reddish-brown coat provides camouflage in grass and underbrush. Newborn fawns also have very little body odor, which conceals them from animals that hunt by smell. This instinct is so strong that a fawn may not move even when a person approaches.
Fawns can stand soon after birth but cannot outrun predators for the first few weeks. They spend this time in seclusion, moving only when the doe relocates them. After about three to four weeks, they are strong enough to follow their mother and flee from danger.
Recognizing a Fawn in Distress
While solitude is normal for a fawn, specific signs indicate it may need assistance. A fawn is likely in distress if you observe any of the following:
- A visible injury, such as a broken limb, open wound, or active bleeding.
- The presence of numerous flies or maggots.
- Persistent crying or bleating for several hours.
- Signs of dehydration, such as curled ear tips, a rough coat, or a weak appearance.
- Lying flat on its side instead of curled up.
A healthy fawn is quiet and alert, while one in distress may seem oblivious or unable to stand. Before concluding a fawn is in trouble, observe it from a distance. Unless there is a clear sign of injury or the mother is known to be deceased, monitor the situation for a full day before seeking help.
UF/IFAS Recommendations for Fawn Encounters
The primary guidance from wildlife experts is: “If you care, leave it there.” Human intervention is often unnecessary and can prevent the doe from returning to care for her fawn.
Never attempt to feed a fawn. They require their mother’s milk, and other formulas can cause fatal digestive issues. You should also avoid touching the animal, as this can cause extreme stress and a potentially fatal condition called capture myopathy. It is illegal to take a fawn from the wild to raise yourself.
If you confirm a fawn is in distress, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) maintains a list of these permitted individuals. You can also contact an FWC regional office for guidance. These experts can provide the care needed to increase the fawn’s chance of returning to the wild.
Protecting Fawns in Your Environment
You can take proactive measures to protect fawns, especially during the fawning season. Drivers should use extra caution at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. If you see one deer cross the road, be aware that others may follow.
Keep pets under control to protect fawns. Domestic dogs can harass or injure a hiding fawn, so confine them to a leash or a fenced yard to prevent them from disturbing nearby wildlife.
Avoid feeding adult deer. Providing food can cause them to congregate, increasing disease transmission. It also habituates deer to humans and attracts them to unsafe areas like neighborhoods and roadsides, putting them and their fawns at greater risk.