If I Find a Fawn...
The grass is turning green and the flowers are starting to bloom. For wildlife in our area, spring is when babies are born.
Bells Ferry Veterinary Hospital rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife. We are often called upon to help what appears to be an orphaned fawn when, in actuality, it’s not orphaned at all. Fawns are often left alone for several hours while the mother is looking for food.
Here are some tips to help you recognize if a fawn needs help. If a fawn is obviously ill, lying on its side, kicking, crying or is covered with fire ants, pick it up and place it in a box or animal carrier. A light cloth placed over the animal's head will sometimes calm it. Keep it away from pets and all human activity. Petting the fawn, talking to it, or holding it does not comfort it. This is a wild animal. Human voices, odor, and touch only add to the stress and will cause additional harm. DO NOT FEED THE FAWN ANYTHING.
If an uninjured fawn is seen, leave it alone and leave the area! The fawn would not be there if the doe were not nearby. You will not see her. She will return for the fawn only when there are no humans nearby. If you have removed the fawn from its resting spot, TAKE IT BACK AT ONCE and walk away. The doe will be searching for her fawn and will accept it even with a human scent on it. Do not try to make a wild animal your pet. Not only is it not fair to the animal, it is against the law. According to Chapter 63, Section 63.002 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, no person can possess a live game animal for any purpose not authorized by their code. The first offense for illegal possession of a live deer is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus court costs. There are similar laws for possession of other animals such as raccoons.
Bells Ferry Veterinary Hospital rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife. We are often called upon to help what appears to be an orphaned fawn when, in actuality, it’s not orphaned at all. Fawns are often left alone for several hours while the mother is looking for food.
Here are some tips to help you recognize if a fawn needs help. If a fawn is obviously ill, lying on its side, kicking, crying or is covered with fire ants, pick it up and place it in a box or animal carrier. A light cloth placed over the animal's head will sometimes calm it. Keep it away from pets and all human activity. Petting the fawn, talking to it, or holding it does not comfort it. This is a wild animal. Human voices, odor, and touch only add to the stress and will cause additional harm. DO NOT FEED THE FAWN ANYTHING.
If an uninjured fawn is seen, leave it alone and leave the area! The fawn would not be there if the doe were not nearby. You will not see her. She will return for the fawn only when there are no humans nearby. If you have removed the fawn from its resting spot, TAKE IT BACK AT ONCE and walk away. The doe will be searching for her fawn and will accept it even with a human scent on it. Do not try to make a wild animal your pet. Not only is it not fair to the animal, it is against the law. According to Chapter 63, Section 63.002 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, no person can possess a live game animal for any purpose not authorized by their code. The first offense for illegal possession of a live deer is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus court costs. There are similar laws for possession of other animals such as raccoons.