Fawn season underway, what to do if you find one alone

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Most fawn or baby deer are born in late spring to early summer. 

If you see one in your neighborhood, it’s important to know when they may or may not need our help. 

Madge Matteo is a fawn rehabber with Morgan Creek Wildlife Rescue. 

She says a doe will give birth and could leave the fawn for up to 12 hours but will come back twice a day to check on their young. 

If you come across a fawn that’s on its side or its legs are stretched out, that could be a sign that something is wrong.  

As well as if a fawn is walking around calling out for more than 40 minutes. 

Also, if a young deer is covered with insects or if their ear tips are curled Matteo says you may need to call for help.  

Matteo also noted that if you see a deer on the side of the road check to see if the deer is a nursing female and you believe it could be the mother of a fawn. 

“Let nature take its way, now if you see that the fawn is 3 or 4 hours later still standing in the field crying then I would call your local rehabber. Just get advice from them, or they may come out and take a look,” Matteo shared. 

 Matteo adds that if you see a fawn, just leave it be because only rarely does its mother not come back to take care of it. 

In most places, it is illegal to keep a fawn as a pet.  

If you feel that a fawn is in trouble, contact the wildlife help and rehabilitator referral number at 1-877-WILDHELP (1-877-945-3435) or if you are in Brunswick County you can call 910-800-0534 to get in contact with Morgan Creek Wildlife Rescue.