Fawns are born without a scent, so if they sit and remain still, they do not attract attention of predators.  A mother deer often leaves her fawn for long periods of time also not to draw a predator to the young deer.  She will leave her young alone and feed elsewhere, only returning for brief periods at dusk and dawn to feed the baby.  The mother may leave the fawn in the same location for a few days, especially if it is a newborn, until it is strong enough to move with her. 

If You Have Found A Fawn In Your Yard

Deer will sometimes leave their fawns in the oddest places, perhaps on a porch or in the middle of a back yard.  If you have found a fawn that looks healthy and is resting peacefully, then everything is probably fine.  The mother will not reject the fawn due to human scent, but it is best not to touch it.   Back away and leave it alone.  If dogs pose a risk, please keep them inside until mom has had a chance to relocate the fawn.

If You Have Think You Have Found An Orphaned Fawn

Kidnapped fawns, or fawns that have mistakenly been removed, can be returned to their mothers if taken back to where they were found within 8-12 hours.  If you accidentally startle a fawn, return the fawn to the area in which it was found. The fawn can usually locate the mother by itself, if given the chance.

Fawns wandering and crying may indicate that something has happened to its mother.  If you are sure the mother has not returned for several hours and the wandering fawn is young enough to allow you to pick it up, then it needs to be rescued.

If the fawn is older and difficult to capture, but stays around the area, you can supplement its diet.  Put out a clean container of water and set out its normal diet, like cuttings from pyracantha, blackberry bushes, roses, alfalfa, or apples.  Don’t feed any wildlife by hand.  Keep the “wild” in wildlife.

If You Have A Sick Or Injured Fawn

If you find a fawn that is thin, obviously injured, or has flies around it, then bring the animal to Carolina Wildlife Care or another licensed rehabilitator promptly.

Why Is It Dangerous To Raise A Fawn Without Being A Rehabilitator?

If a mother cannot raise her fawn, then it should be transported to a trained wildlife rehabilitator that can rear it correctly for release.  A deer that is raised improperly will most likely meet with an unhappy ending.  Young fawns easily imprint on humans, which can be dangerous for both the deer and humans.  Deer are extremely difficult to keep caged or fenced in, and humans have been attacked and killed by former "pet" deer encountered in the woods.  The “owner” will be accountable.

Deer that are "tame" lose their natural fear of humans, pets, and other dangers such as roadways.  This is quick and certain death for a species that is heavily hunted by humans and dogs.  Deer can also carry parasites.  Deer ticks are the main vectors for the transmission of Lyme disease.