The Fawn is Lying Quietly

What is the condition of the fawn?

Is the fawn wet or newly born?	Yes
Is the fawn Limp or Lethargic?	Yes
Has the fawn been in the same place for over ten hours?	Yes

If you answered no to all of these,
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Background Information Most foundling fawns are in this category. Usually it involves a fawn's poor choice of a resting site. These fawns are good candidates to be reunited with their mothers. However, if a doe is chased from the birthing site before initial bonding occurs, it is unlikely that she will return. A newly born fawn that has not yet been cleaned needs immediate help.

A fawn that is found limp or lethargic may take an experienced eye to determine if the fawn is sick or is using a "freeze" response to play possum. If the fawn in a resting position with legs tucked underneath, and has no other signs of problems, they are probably ok. Consult a rehabilitator for further assistance to help determine if intervention is needed.

Careful observation is needed to determine is a fawn has been in the same place for over ten hours without the doe attending to it. Since the doe can slip in to nurse and clean the fawn in a matter of minutes, it is easy to miss this fleeting interaction. Also, deer are more active at dusk, dawn, and during the night - particularly when the moon is bright. Be assured the doe will not return if she senses danger - such as humans or dogs in the area of the fawn.