Does this fawn need our help? The answer is NO!
A lady called from Black Forest the other day. She and her grandchildren were pulling up into the driveway when one of the kids noticed a tiny spotted fawn curled up near some bushes in the yard. The lady did exactly the right thing-she brought the kids into the house without approaching the quiet baby, and proceeded to call for help. I explained to her that if she watched from the house, keeping the kids and pets away, the doe would care for the fawn and move it when she was ready. And sure enough, that’s exactly what happened.
Deer calls from the public are calls we deal with year-’round at EWRC. Calls are usually in regard to injured deer and dead deer removal. Rehabilitators are not licensed to provide care to deer and there are only a couple statewide licensed for fawns, for a variety of reasons including disease and limited resources. The number of fawns picked up by people each year far exceeds space and resources for them in rehab, and most are euthanized. This is why it’s important, if you care about the fawns, that you LEAVE THEM ALONE unless you SEE a dead mother nearby. Those are the only fawns that are taken to rehab.
Most calls received by rehabbers this time of year are in regard to fawns found by people on their property and in their yards, in ditches, public areas, courtyards, etc., seemingly left abandoned by their mothers.
Fawns are born without a scent, whereas adult deer DO have a scent that attracts predators. Remaining with a fawn could draw predators to her baby, so the doe will leave the baby in a place she feels is safe and retreat to a safe distance nearby, keeping a close eye on her baby. When the mother is ready and able, she will move the fawn herself.
This is a critical time for these animals and the time they usually find trouble in the form of unsuspecting humans picking them up and moving them around, trying to provide care, and by pets harassing them as well, all of which are illegal. Unfortunately fawns can be tamed, deeming them a potential nuisance (and I think we have all seen examples of how those end up, always very badly for the animal) and not releasable to nature.
A fawn that needs help will likely be up walking around and bleating. If this is the fawn you’ve encountered, or if there is a dead (usually car-hit) doe nearby, this fawn will need help from an experienced, licensed fawn rehabilitator at the discretion of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
PLEASE do the right thing and don’t be a baby-napper! This could be a death sentence for the animal, whether it’s a fawn, bunny, bird, whatever. If you need help there are various agencies available to help but don’t try to take matters into your own hands. Oftentimes we get the call when the animal is dying because of improper care by people who want to help but don’t know how.Bringing a fawn inside and pouring cow’s milk down it can kill it.
Remember that is against the law to possess and/or harass ALL wildlife, including birds, and if you notice suspicious activity (scoping/poaching) please report to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. You can remain anonymous.
Also remember, wildlife rehabilitators are unpaid volunteers and some are nonprofits that rely on your donations to help care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, so please help them out if you can by donating funds, supplies, or by volunteering your time.
