Keep Wildlife Wild 

Know What To Do If You Encounter A Fawn This Spring

By Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Spring is here, and people and animals alike are out and about, sometimes crossing paths. If you encounter a fawn while outdoors, the DNR urges you not to touch it or intervene in any way – there’s a good chance it’s right where it’s supposed to be and its mother isn’t far away.

In the first few weeks of life, fawns are left alone most of the day and stay hidden while their mothers stay some distance away to avoid drawing attention to their fawns’ location. They lie still in brush or grass, keeping quiet until their mothers return. Although the mother can return at any time of day to nurse the fawn, white-tailed deer are crepuscular (more active at dawn and dusk), which means the fawn can be alone for long periods between feedings. 

It is rare that an unaccompanied fawn has been abandoned. If you find a fawn lying still and quiet, leave it alone. Leave the area and do not go near the spot again. Do not touch the fawn or bring children, pets or friends to look at it. Doing so could endanger the fawn by giving away its location to a predator, and its mother won’t return to nurse the fawn while people or pets are nearby.

If you have further questions or encounter a fawn that appears sick or injured, call the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Please note it is against the law in Wisconsin to possess a wild animal without the proper license.

For more information on what to do if you find a fawn or any other baby animal, visit the DNR’s website.