Wildlife experts remind public to leave white-tailed deer fawns alone

DULUTH — Most whitetail deer fawns in the Northland will be born in the next few weeks, and while you may find them with no mother nearby, don’t worry — and don't approach the fawn — the mother is around and she will be back. The fawn does not need rescuing.

It’s common for the doe to leave her fawn hidden while she is out feeding, especially when the fawn is very young and is better able to hide from predators than outrun them.

The Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of natural resources ask that people avoid disturbing or touching deer fawns.

Be assured: Fawns are likely fine, even if they look abandoned or fragile. Even if the fawn is known to be wounded or abandoned due to vehicle strike or animal attack on the mother, do not transport it until you first talk to a wildlife rehabilitator.

For more information about what to do if you find fawns or other species of baby wild animals, visit dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/rehabilitation/injured-orphaned-wildlife.html.