While all of us enjoy observing white-tailed deer fawn each Spring and Summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds nature lovers that disturbing fawns is not only harmful to the animal, but illegal in Maryland.
Fawn sightings across the state’s landscape are commonplace in May and June each year. While many fawns are observed following their always-wary mother, others can be found curled up in the woods or in a field alone, with no mother in sight. These animals are not orphans that have been abandoned.
Wildlife raise their young using methods that may seem strange or even neglectful to humans. The doe leads her newborn young to secluded habitat and nurses them. The fawn beds down soon after feeding. If the doe has twins, she separates them up by as much as 200 feet. The doe then leaves her young to feed and rest after the recent birthing. After a few hours, the doe returns to the fawn, feeds it and moves it to a new hiding spot. This pattern will continue for about three weeks. After this time, the fawns are strong enough to keep up with their mother and able to out-race any potential danger.
Evolutionary adaptations have provided deer with the ability to survive and thrive in rapidly changing landscapes. Fawns have almost no odor, so it is difficult for predators to locate them. The spotted coat creates a camouflage effect for fawns lying on the ground surrounded by low vegetation. Fawns instinctively freeze which enhances this protective coloration. As fawns grow and mature, they will initially freeze, but they jump up and bound away.
Speed is the primary protection for an adult white-tailed deer. An adult deer can run about 25 miles per hour with short bursts up to 40 miles per hour. However young fawns are not capable of this escape technique and must depend on their ability to hide.
DNR reminds nature lovers to not disturb a young fawn hiding on the ground. Never try to catch it. If the fawn is lying down, enjoy the moment and then quietly walk away. Do not describe the location to others. If the fawn attempts to follow you, gently push on its shoulders until it lies down, and then slowly walk away. The doe would do the same thing when she wants the fawn to stay put.
Removing deer or other native wild animals from the wild, raising them and keeping them in captivity without a permit from the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Division is against the law. The unnatural conditions of life in captivity can lead to malnutrition, injury and stress at the hands of a well-meaning captor. Wild animals that become accustomed to humans can pose a threat to themselves and to people. Remember, if you observe a fawn, enjoy the moment, but do not pick it up.
For questions regarding fawns or other young wild animals, contact the Wildlife Services Information Line, toll free, at (877)463-6497, or DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Division at the following offices: Cumberland at (301)777-2136; Bel Air at (410)836-4557; Gaithersburg at (301)258-7308; Annapolis at (410)260-8540; or Salisbury at (410)543-6595.
Posted: 5-22-2001
