Deer

The white-tailed deer is our largest wild herbivore; PLEASE use extreme caution when approaching an injured adult deer and DO NOT put any deer over 10-lb/4.5-kg in your car; it is preferable for you to use a larger box or kennel. Hit-by-car deer can cause severe damage to you, your vehicle and themselves. Injured deer that are still mobile should be left alone; if they are immobile, they should be reported to your local Animal Control. Please call ahead to your closest wildlife rehabilitator (see Referral Directory) for advice before transporting or moving.

DO RESCUE:

• Fawns that were attacked by another animal.
• Fawns that were hit by a car or mowing equipment.
• Fawns that are covered in dew, insects and/or fly eggs.
• Fawns that are wandering aimlessly and calling out.

DO NOT RESCUE:

• Fawns that are uninjured and laying quiet. Does leave their fawns in one place for most of the day during their first few weeks of life when they are not strong enough to follow her all day; the doe remains within earshot of her young. The fawn will not flee from your approach as instinct holds them still.

IF IT NEEDS REHABILITATION:

• Please call for advice. All deer fawn must be taken to permitted deer rehabilitators and it would be preferable for rescued fawns to be taken straight to the proper facility.
• DO NOT force feed any injured deer. Unskilled hands can force food/water into the lungs and excess handling can cause shock and exacerbate the animal’s injuries.
• DO NOT feed any fawn. Unskilled hands can force food/water into the lungs and an improper diet can be fatal.

See Transporting Wildlife. Keep it warm and quiet.