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City of Eastport

EASTPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT

EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1
What should you do if you should locate a baby deer (fawn)?

Keep wildlife wild. If you care, leave them there.

It is not uncommon to find a young fawn all alone in the spring and early summer. The nutrient profile of a mother’s milk enables a doe to leave her fawn for many hours while she feeds on her own to sustain the demands of nursing. Until the fawn is strong enough to keep up and come along, an adult doe may hide her fawn in the forest floor leaves, returning two or three times a day to nurse. During this time, the fawn is protected from predators by its camouflaged coat and its lack of scent.

Most fawns found alone are not orphans and should be left alone in the wild. Fawns raised by their mom have a significantly higher chance at survival. In fact, several studies have shown that captive-raised fawns have an 85% chance of mortality within three months of being released. Humans simply can’t do the job that mom was intended to do!

It is always best to leave fawns alone, and you should never attempt to feed them under any circumstances. Repeated visits to a fawn can draw the attention of predators, and could discourage the mother from returning. Leave the area, and ensure pets stay away.

To determine if the fawn is truly injured or orphaned, please use the guide below.

Is the fawn critically INJURED?

Look for the following:

  1.  Serious bleeding

  2.  Open Wounds

  3.  Broken bones

YES

IMMEDIATELY contact

Eastport Animal Control  Officer 

Reid Kozloski  (413) 458-8655

He will assess the situation and take appropriate action.

​

NO

Is the fawn truly ORPHANED?

Look for the following:

  1.  A large amount of fly eggs and/or ticks (some are normal)

  2.  Weakness, lying on its side with legs splayed, unable to lift its head

  3.  Calling non-stop for hours (bleeping)

  4.  Found close to a deceased doe

YES
NO

This fawn does NOT need help!

Does (female deer) leave their fawns unattended most of the time, only returning 2 to 3 times daily to nurse. Fawns rely on camouflage to stay safe until they are strong enough to keep up.

​

The mother WILL return if you give them space.

  1.  Keep your distance

  2.  Keep children and pets away

  3.  Do not touch the fawn ​

NEVER feed or attempt to rehabilitate a fawn yourself. Orphaned wildlife can only be LEGALLY and SAFELY cared for by licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

  • SOUND. It is usual for fawns to call occasionally while their mom is away for up to 12 hours, but near-constant calling all day is a sign that they may have been orphaned.

  • PARASITES. It is usual for fawns to have some ticks. Their mom will groom them the next time she checks in. A fawn may be an orphan if you notice large amounts of fly eggs or maggots or if the fawn's eyes are swollen shut due to numerous ticks on the face and ears.

  • OUTSTRETCHED. A normal resting position for a hiding fawn is sitting with its legs tucked close to or under its body. A weak or dehydrated orphaned fawn may rest with their legs splayed, unable to stand or lift their head.

  • TRAUMA. Minor injuries are likely to heal on their own without intervention, but life-threatening injuries such as serious bleeding or broken bones are a reason for rescue.

Can you S.P.O.T. a fawn in need of help?

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