Finding a fawn

While out walking in the countryside a member of the public may come across a newborn fawn hidden either in long grass, or a nearby hedgerow. As the fawn's mother is nowhere to be seen people immediately assume the fawn is an orphan, and will pick the baby up and take it home. Sadly, the fawn's mother is rarely far away, and is being prevented from returning to her baby because of the presence of people.

Fawns are very rarely abandoned. It's quite normal behaviour for a doe to leave her fawn hidden while she goes off to feed. This is because the youngster is still too young to keep up with her and, as a result, will remain for the first few weeks lying totally motionless relying on its camouflage and lack of scent to keep it safe from predators. If you should come across a fawn that is hidden and quiet, DO NOT touch it. Leave the area quietly and return a couple of hours later to check to see whether the fawn has either moved, or still remains in the same place. If you're unsure as to whether the fawn needs your help, PLEASE speak to a wildlife rescue for advice first, before removing the fawn. If the fawn has been mistakenly taken home it can be returned. Place the fawn in a safe protected position close to where it was originally found and, before leaving the area, remove your human scent by rubbing a handful of grasses or leaves thoroughly over the fawn's fur. The only time a fawn will need your help is if it's injured (this can be due to a dog attack), has remained in the same place after many hours, has been found beside its dead mother, or on the very rare occasion when a fawn will approach a person, or pet, usually bleating in distress. Fawns can be difficult animals to rear successfully, and require many months rehabilitation before they're ready to be soft released back into the wild. Therefore, please don't attempt to hand rear a fawn, it will stand a far better chance of survival if it's taken to a wildlife rescue who specialize in the care of orphaned fawns.