How To Care For A Newborn Fawn
As spring approaches, many animals give birth to their young, including deer. It's not uncommon to come across a newborn fawn while out for a hike or walk. However, it's important to know what to do when you come across one, as they require special care. In this article, we will discuss how to care for a newborn fawn.
What to Do When You Find a Newborn Fawn
If you come across a newborn fawn, the first thing to do is to leave it alone. Many people mistakenly believe that the fawn has been abandoned, but this is not the case. Mother deer will often leave their fawns in a safe spot while they forage for food. The fawn's natural instinct is to lay still and quiet, so as not to attract predators. If you pick up the fawn, you risk separating it from its mother, which can be detrimental to its survival.
How to Determine if the Fawn Needs Help
If you come across a fawn that is lying in the same spot for an extended period of time, it may be a sign that it needs help. Fawns need to nurse every few hours, so if you see one that is not moving, it could be an indication that it is weak or sick. Additionally, if the fawn is covered in flies or has visible injuries, it may require medical attention.
What to Do if the Fawn Needs Help
If you determine that the fawn needs help, the best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are trained to care for wild animals and can provide the necessary care for the fawn until it is ready to be released back into the wild. It's important to remember that it is illegal to keep wildlife as pets, so attempting to care for the fawn on your own is not an option.
Other Important Tips for Caring for a Newborn Fawn
Keeping the Fawn Warm
Newborn fawns have very little body fat, which means they are susceptible to hypothermia. If you come across a fawn that is lying in a cold, wet area, you can help by moving it to a warm, dry spot. You can also cover the fawn with a light blanket or towel to help keep it warm.
Feeding the Fawn
If you do find a fawn that requires care, it's important to feed it the appropriate milk replacement formula. Do not give the fawn cow's milk, as it can cause digestive issues. Instead, use a formula specifically designed for deer. You can purchase these formulas online or from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Minimizing Human Interaction
While it may be tempting to spend time with the fawn, it's important to minimize human interaction as much as possible. Fawns need to develop their natural instincts and behaviors in order to survive in the wild. If they become too accustomed to humans, they may struggle to adapt to life in the wild.
In conclusion, caring for a newborn fawn requires knowledge and expertise. If you come across a fawn that needs help, it's important to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that the fawn receives the care it needs to thrive in the wild.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Leave Fawn Alone | Do not pick up the fawn |
| Watch for Signs of Distress | Look for a fawn that is not moving or has visible injuries |
| Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator | Do not attempt to care for the fawn on your own |
| Keep Fawn Warm | Move the fawn to a warm, dry spot and cover with a light blanket or towel |
| Feed Fawn the Appropriate Milk Replacement Formula | Do not give the fawn cow's milk |
| Minimize Human Interaction | Allow the fawn to develop natural instincts and behaviors |
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