In northern Minnesota, white-tail deer fawns are born in late May and early June. For the first six weeks of their life, fawns lie still on the ground when they are not being fed by their mother. Their initial lack of scent and their spotted coat help hide them from predators. Their mother is usually nearby, even if you don’t see her.
If you find a fawn, walk away and leave it alone unless:
| Problem | Action |
| 1. Fawn obviously hurt or sick (bleeding, broken leg, lying on side, or with flies on it) | Call a wildlife rehabilitator |
| 2. Fawn beside a dead female deer | Call a wildlife rehabilitator |
| 3. Fawn crying without mom responding | Watch for several hours (at a distance and out of sight) to see if mom returns. If she doesn’t, call a rehabber to find out what to do next. They will likely ask you about the duration and frequency of crying so it may be helpful to keep a record of what you observe. |
| 4. Fawn is in immediate danger (lying in the middle of the road, being attacked by a dog, or pestered by kids) | Remove from danger, keeping it as close as possible to where it was found. Keep kids and pets away. |
Watch a slide show about fawns.
How to rescue a fawn (if directed by a rehabber)
- Make a note of where you found it
- Keep people and pets away, and be as quiet and gentle as possible
- If you have to chase it to catch it, it doesn’t need your help
- Place in quiet, dark container with air holes, preferably not tall enough to allow the fawn to stand
- Do not feed it
- Bring it to a wildlife rehabber as soon as possible