Maine – Message From the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

If you care, leave them there
It is not uncommon to find a young fawn all alone in the spring and early summer, but the vast majority are not orphans. Laying low and blending in is a fawn’s survival strategy, and it works!
Until fawns are strong enough to keep up, an adult doe will hide them in tall grass or forest floor leaves, returning just two or three times a day to nurse. During this time, the fawn is protected from predators by its camouflaged coat and its lack of scent.
A wild upbringing is irreplaceable. Fawns raised by their mom without human intervention have a significantly higher chance of long-term survival. Trusting a doe to do her job and giving her space to do so is the most important action you can take.
Repeated visits to a fawn can draw the attention of predators, and could discourage the mother from returning. If you find a fawn, quietly leave the area, and make sure kids and pets do the same.
To determine if the fawn is truly injured or orphaned, please visit our website at mefishwildlife.com/fawn