Did You Know? – Newborn Fawns

Did you know that deer deliver their newborns in the strangest of places? Residents will find them and be concerned about a newborn deer on their lawn, in their garden, under the azaleas, etc. Most think the fawn is in peril and Mom is nowhere to be found. Well, Mom is actually off feeding and helping to keep predators away.

Those who wonder what they should do for the fawn … leave it alone. Do not touch, move, or attempt to feed it. Deer are NOT like horses. They do not have their legs under them immediately, and they need time to rest after birth. Horses get up and go, and that’s the sign of a healthy horse. A healthy fawn will curl up, nap most of the day and move their heads. They have no scent, and predators cannot find them unless humans interfere.

Mom leaves during the day for two primary reasons, to feed and keep her scent a distance from the fawn. Mom will come back, unless something tragic happens to her, but don’t expect her until dusk and certainly don’t expect her if humans are hovering about. If you are fortunate enough to have the gift of a fawn, please enjoy the experience, respect Mother Nature and let the mom do what comes naturally. She will move the fawn daily so you may see it in various locations.