White-tailed Deer

Don’t Be A Kidnapper!

Does do not stay with their fawns when they are born. The fawns are too little and weak to keep up with their mother. She also does not want to draw attention to them so she will “park” them somewhere and return for short periods throughout the day to nurse. Sometimes this may be somewhere dangerous or inconvenient (ditches, yards, etc.). Leave them alone unless a permitted wildlife rehabilitator has instructed you to intervene.

As the fawns grow they will start exploring. You should not be concerned unless they are crying incessantly without mom responding and/or they are approaching people/pets and trying to nurse on them. Contact us if you are concerned and BEFORE you rescue the fawn(s)!

Orphaned?

Below is a list of signs to determine if the fawn(s) is orphaned and needs to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Do not rescue the fawn until you have spoken with us!

  • If a fawn is covered in flies, fly eggs (they look like tiny grains of rice), fleas, ticks, etc. it needs medical attention. Contact us before you intervene.

  • Open wound, severe limp, trauma visualized, nasal discharge, lying on side with legs out, etc. requires medical attention.

  • Fawns will begin approaching people or pets and try to nurse on them when they start getting hungry. If a fawn has been doing this and/or crying incessantly for 4+ hours with no parental response it likely is orphaned. Contact us before you intervene.

  • Fawns should never be lying on their side with their legs stretched out. They should be curled up with their legs tucked.

  • Fawns will lie very still to avoid being seen. However, if the fawn looks “dumpy”, is nonresponsive or is cold please contact us.

  • If a fawn has been under human care or has been fed anything from a human caretaker a permitted wildlife rehabilitator needs to be contacted.

  • Cats create lacerations as well as tiny punctures that can seal over and create pockets that become infected.

    Dogs create crushing injuries when they bite. Internal injuries may not present for a couple of days.

  • If it is known with certainty that the mother is dead the fawn needs to be rehabilitated if it is still too young to be weaned. If you see a dead deer and you are not sure if it is the mom do not intervene unless instructed otherwise by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

Below are pictures of perfectly healthy, NOT orphaned fawns. If you see fawns that look like these leave them alone.

Containing the Fawn(s)

If you believe that the fawn needs help, please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it/them. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):

  1. Contact us so we can discuss the situation with you.

  2. Get the GPS coordinates of where you found the fawn.

  3. Get an appropriately sized container for the fawn. Empty laundry baskets work wonderfully. You may also use a large pet carrier, box or tote.

  4. Put a towel or thin fleece blanket on the bottom of the box.

  5. Place a hand towel over the fawn’s head. Using gloves, gently scoop the fawn and place into the box. It will kick its legs. Do not drop the fawn.                                                

  6. Drape a sheet over the container so it cannot jump/fall out.

  7. Put a heating pad underneath 1/3 - 1/2 of the container so it can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns.

    • Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.

  8. Wash your hands.

  9. Bring the fawn to a permitted rehabber immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the animal in a warm, dark, quiet area of your home or garage that is away from pets, children and noise.

  10. DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE FAWN!

  11. DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal. Keep away from pets.

Injured Adults & Older Fawns (that no longer have spots)

Because of their size and extremely high stress level, deer are unfortunately not able to be rehabilitated after they lose their spots. If you find a deer that has an injured leg (or several) but it is still able to ambulate, it is best to leave it alone. If you find an injured/ill deer that is unable to stand up please call the police department (in city limits) or a conservation officer (outside city limits) to dispatch the animal. Please stay with the animal until help arrives.

To find the Conservation Officer that services your area you can use this website or call the MN DNR Information Center and request to speak to the CO in your region. 888-646-6367

Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries or illnesses occurred from you handling wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.