Fort Madison Police Department - IA

This time of the year we commonly have calls of what people beleive to be abandoned fawns. Keep the following in mind. Mother deer leave their babies alone for 10-12 hours per day while they forage for themselves and only visit the baby to feed. While this may seem strange to humans, this is a defense mechanism to not attract predators to their newly born baby. So, it is not uncommon to NOT see a mother for many hours. The babies lie still, curled up in the grass, waiting for the mother to return. When first born, fawns are not strong enough on their legs to follow the mother or outrun predators, so they will only move short distances for the first 3-4 weeks of life until they are stronger. Their spotted coat also serves to help camouflage the fawn and keep them safe.

If you find a fawn that is curled up quietly in your yard alone, please do not be concerned. Leave the area so that the mother will feel comfortable enough to return when she is ready.