Many time fawns are rescued unnecessarily. The mother leaves them in thick brush or grass….sometimes out in the open while she goes off to feed. If a fawn is found by itself and is sitting in a “normal” position with its legs curled under it, LEAVE IT ALONE! The mother leaves the baby for several hours to go off and feed. This way she is keeping her scent…which would draw predators… away from the baby. Watch from a far distance or check back in several hours if you are concerned. If the fawn is found lying on its side, has obvious wounds or flies around it, or is bleating continuously, it is in need of help. Also there are times when a young one is attacked by dogs or has tried to jump a fence and gets hung. These fawns will need immediate help as well.

If a healthy fawn has been taken from the location the mother left him, encourage the finder to put the baby back. There is still a chance mother will come back even if the fawn has been. Have the finder check back from time to time.

You have to have a special permit to rehab fawns. Call the Wildlife Enforcement Division (919) 707-0040 or go to The Wildlife Commission website for a list of fawn rehabbers:

http://www.ncwildlife.org/Injured-Wildlife

Do not attempt or let others attempt to put an older juvenile or adult deer in a car or truck. They can kick out the windows and will harm you, your car and themselves trying to escape. Call for help.