Abandoned Fawn?

Our Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Program staffers are receiving their first calls of the year about potentially abandoned fawns. We field a ton of calls during the spring from concerned wildlife lovers, asking if a fawn lying down alone is orphaned.

Our answer? The fawn usually is NOT abandoned, but rather following its instincts. In order to protect her young, mom will frequently leave her fawn alone to prevent attracting predators to her vulnerable baby. She will return when she feels it is safe to do so. However, if a fawn is consistently walking around and making noise, there may be cause for concern.
You’ll find much more information about fawns by reading Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Wildlife FAQ #13 on baby deer.



The fawn is born with very little scent and white spots for camouflage. As long as the fawn does not move, it will be hidden from all kinds of danger.