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How to Care for a Baby Deer

| Updated September 26, 2017

How to Care for a Baby Deer. In general, if a fawn has been found and a doe has not, the fawn is not an orphan. Mothers will leave their fawns all day to feed. They will not return while a human is in the area. This tactic allows the fawn to understand how to function alone. If you watch the fawn for 48 hours and the mother has not returned once, you probably have an orphan. The following steps will guide you through taking care of the orphan.

Watch for the fawn's mother to return within 24 to 48 hours. If the fawn is still alone, or you know that the mother is dead, immediately call a wildlife rehabilitator. Meanwhile keep yourself and all pets away from the fawn. Try not to move the fawn.

Contact an animal control office for assistance. To find a wildlife rehabilitator, check your local Fish and Wildlife Service. If it is an emergency, the sheriff's department in your area will know a way to contact them.

Move the fawn from any dangerous situation if you have to. If you find it near a highway or populated area try to catch it. Do not chase a fawn to catch it. This could cause it to become even more frightened. Get down on it's level and slowly move towards the fawn.

Treat the wounds of the fawn if he has any. Wrap any open wounds with bandages but make sure you wear gloves. If it looks like the fawn could have a broken bone try not to let it move until the wildlife rehabilitator arrives.