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I found a fawn

DON'T BE A FAWN-NAPPER!

Each year, the Wildlife Center of Virginia fields hundreds of calls about White-tailed Deer fawns. Often, an individual finds a fawn and thinks it needs to be rescued. In most cases, the fawn does not need help. White-tailed Deer fawns are born in April through July, with most fawns born in June. A doe will leave her fawn(s) alone all day and only come back to feed her young around dawn and dusk. Well-meaning humans often assume that because a fawn is alone it must be an orphan, leading to numerous fawn “kidnappings” each year.
A fawn has the BEST chance of survival when cared for by its mother.
If you find a fawn alone that you think might need help, use the following chart to guide your choice of intervention.

I FOUND A FAWN ALONE...

DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO THE FAWN?
  • It's bleeding, has an open wound, or has a broken bone.
  • It's covered in fly eggs (look like small grains of rice).
  • It's cold or wet.
  • It's crying nonstop for hours on end.
  • It appears weak AND is lying on its side.

If YES

  • The fawn is likely injured or orphaned. Take it to the nearest permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
  • Never chase a fawn to capture it. The stress of being chased can be dangerous to the fawn.
  • Do not give food or water to injured or orphaned wildlife.
Move the fawn to a safe spot nearby so its mom can see her baby when she returns.

If NO

Is the fawn in a dangerous location? (e.g., near a busy road)
  • The fawn is healthy and waiting for mom to return.
  • Mother deer stay away from their young during the day to avoid leading predators to the fawn's location.
  • Keep children and pets away.
  • Reassess the situation in 24 hours.