Discovering a baby deer can be an exciting and heartwarming experience. These adorable creatures, also known as fawns, are incredibly vulnerable in their early stages of life and may require human intervention. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here are some important steps to take:
1. Assess the Situation
Before taking any action, it’s crucial to assess the situation. Observe the baby deer from a distance and determine if it’s really in need of help. Fawns are often left alone by their mothers for hours at a time, as this is a survival technique to keep predators away. So, if the fawn appears healthy, is lying down peacefully, and shows no signs of distress, it’s best to leave it alone.
2. Ensure Your Safety
If you decide that the fawn indeed requires assistance, make sure to prioritize your own safety. Keep in mind that adult deer can be extremely protective, and approaching them or their young may lead to defensive actions. Maintain a safe distance and avoid any sudden movements that might startle or provoke the deer.
3. Contact Local Wildlife Authorities
Getting in touch with your local wildlife authorities should be the next step. They have the necessary expertise to handle wildlife situations and can provide you with guidance on what to do. They may also have authorized wildlife rehabilitators who can take care of the baby deer until it’s ready to return to the wild.
4. Provide Temporary Shelter
In the meantime, while waiting for help to arrive, you can provide temporary shelter for the fawn. Create a quiet, enclosed space using a large box or crate lined with soft blankets or towels. Ensure the shelter is well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight. This will help keep the fawn calm and protected until the professionals arrive.
5. Do Not Feed the Fawn
It’s important not to feed the baby deer anything. Fawns have specialized diets, and feeding them the wrong food can cause severe harm or even death. Leave it to the experts to determine the appropriate nutrition for the fawn. They will know the specific dietary needs and provide the necessary care.
6. Keep Human Interaction Minimal
While waiting for the wildlife authorities, keep human interaction with the fawn to a minimum. The goal is to minimize stress and prevent the fawn from becoming too accustomed to humans. Remember that the ultimate goal is to reintroduce the fawn back into the wild, and excessive human interaction may hinder this process.
7. Be Patient
Rehabilitating a baby deer takes time and expertise, so it’s important to be patient throughout the process. Recognize that professionals will do their best to ensure the fawn’s well-being and provide it with the necessary care. Follow their instructions and trust in their knowledge and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions Of What To Do If You Find A Baby Deer: Expert Tips For Rescuing And Caring
How Should I Care For A Baby Deer That I Found?
Caring for a baby deer requires specialized knowledge and training. It’s best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. They can provide the proper care and ensure the deer’s well-being.
What Should I Do If I Find A Baby Deer Alone?
If you find a baby deer alone, observe it from a distance first. If you notice signs of injury or distress, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Otherwise, leave the fawn alone as its mother is likely nearby.
Can I Keep A Baby Deer As A Pet?
No, it is illegal and not recommended to keep a baby deer as a pet. Deer are wild animals and require specific care and habitat that cannot be provided in a domestic setting.
What Do Baby Deer Eat?
Baby deer, commonly known as fawns, primarily feed on their mother’s milk. If the fawn appears abandoned, contact a wildlife rehabilitator who can provide appropriate milk formula and guidance on feeding.
Conclusion
Finding a baby deer can be a memorable experience, but it also comes with a great responsibility. By assessing the situation, ensuring your safety, contacting local wildlife authorities, providing temporary shelter, refraining from feeding, minimizing human interaction, and being patient, you can give the baby deer the best possible chance of survival. Remember, it’s our duty to protect and preserve the precious wildlife around us.