Minnesota DNR – ‘If You Care, Leave It There’ – Stop Kidnapping Fawns

Lots of fawns are being born this time of year, and it's not uncommon for people out in nature to stumble upon one. These little fawns are small, cute, and look cuddly. People find these fawns all by themselves and think that they have been abandoned.

The Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources shared to their Facebook page some guidelines you should be aware of. According to the post, they say that parenting in nature is different.

The mother deer leaves the fawn alone for its safety.

During the first month of life, the fawn is too weak to keep up with Mom. The mom grooms and nurses the fawn a few times a day, and the rest of the day the mother stays away to keep the fawn safe. Why? This strategy keeps the fawn hidden from predators.

Give it space, and don't take the fawn.

If you get too close and spook the fawn and it runs off, it's more likely to be attacked by a predator. Each year wildlife rehabilitation centers have people bring in fawns, saying they were abandoned. In reality, these people more than likely kidnapped the fawn from the mother.

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When should I take an abandoned animal to a rehabilitation clinic?

If the fawn is injured, sick, or malnourished you should contact your local wildlife rehabilitator before you take the animal in. In most cases, the fawn is just fine.

What about other animals that appear abandoned?

Like they said before, parenting in nature is different. Young birds may look abandoned when they are on the ground in the spring and early summer trying to fledge. This is normal, the parents are nearby protecting and watching over the bird.

Read More: Did You Know There Is No Limit For These Fish In Minnesota?

Young rabbits are also left unattended for hours while the mother is foraging for food. Young squirrels should be left alone too, as they could be in the process of being moved to a different nest.

Young turtles should be left where they are found. They can find their way to their preferred habitat.

Read more about what to do with injured or orphaned wildlife from the Minnesota DNR.