Lost Fawn? What to Feed a Fawn and What NOT To Do

02 Jun 2024

Imagine stumbling upon a seemingly abandoned fawn in your backyard, its large eyes looking up at you with apparent vulnerability. Your heart melts, and your first instinct might be to rescue it, to provide it nourishment. But hold on. Understanding a fawn’s natural needs and knowing when to intervene is crucial. This article explores the delicate balance of helping fawns while respecting their wild nature.

Often, what appears to be an orphaned fawn is simply waiting for its mother. Does feeding a fawn seem like the right thing to do? In most cases, it's best to avoid direct interaction. Doe deer often leave their young for extended periods to forage, returning to nurse several times a day. The fawn's camouflage and lack of scent help protect it from predators. Interfering with this natural process can have unintended negative consequences.

Providing the wrong fawn food can be detrimental to a fawn's health. Their digestive systems are designed for their mother's milk and, later, specific vegetation. Cow's milk, formula, or other human-provided sustenance can cause severe digestive upset and even death. Understanding a fawn's dietary requirements is essential for its survival.

The history of human interaction with wildlife is fraught with good intentions gone awry. While our desire to nurture vulnerable creatures is commendable, it's crucial to understand the specific needs of each species. Approaching or handling a fawn can also stress the animal and transfer human scent, potentially making it more susceptible to predators.

Before determining the proper nourishment for a fawn, the key is to assess the situation accurately. Is the fawn truly abandoned or injured? Signs of distress include visible injuries, continuous crying, lethargy, or close proximity to a deceased doe. If you encounter a fawn exhibiting these symptoms, contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the best course of action.

A fawn's diet evolves as it grows. Initially, they rely solely on their mother's milk, a rich source of nutrients designed for rapid growth. As they mature, they transition to browsing on vegetation, including leaves, twigs, and various plants. Replicating this natural diet in captivity is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by experienced professionals.

If a licensed wildlife rehabilitator deems it necessary to intervene and hand-rear a fawn, they will use specially formulated milk replacers designed to mimic doe milk. These formulas are species-specific and carefully balanced to provide the necessary nutrients. Attempting to create your own formula is strongly discouraged and can have dire consequences.

One of the most common misconceptions about fawn care is that any milk will do. This is absolutely false. Cow's milk is not an appropriate substitute for doe milk, as it lacks the specific balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates required by a fawn. Feeding cow's milk can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, and ultimately, death.

Steps to Take If You Find a Fawn:

1. Observe from a distance: Is the fawn displaying signs of distress?

2. Do not approach or touch the fawn.

3. If the fawn appears genuinely injured or abandoned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

4. Do not attempt to feed the fawn yourself.

Recommendations: Contact your local wildlife agency or search online for licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Human Intervention with Fawns

Advantages	Disadvantages
Potentially saving the life of a truly injured or orphaned fawn	Disrupting the natural development and behavior of a fawn
Providing appropriate care and nutrition in a rehabilitation setting	Risk of causing digestive issues and even death by improper feeding

Best Practices for Interacting with Fawns:

1. Observe from afar: Respect the fawn's space and avoid approaching.

2. Keep pets away: Dogs and cats can pose a threat to fawns.

3. Educate others: Share this information with friends and family.

4. Support wildlife rehabilitation: Donate to or volunteer at local centers.

5. Avoid creating attractants: Secure garbage and remove food sources that might attract predators.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What do fawns eat? Mother's milk and later, vegetation.

2. Can I feed a fawn cow's milk? No, it can be fatal.

3. What should I do if I find a fawn? Observe from a distance and contact a wildlife rehabilitator if necessary.

4. How long do fawns stay with their mothers? Typically, until they are weaned at several months old.

5. Are fawns dangerous? While generally docile, they can become defensive if they feel threatened.

6. What are the signs of an abandoned fawn? Lethargy, constant crying, visible injuries, or proximity to a deceased doe.

7. Can I keep a fawn as a pet? No, it is illegal in most jurisdictions and detrimental to the fawn's well-being.

8. Where can I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator? Contact your local wildlife agency or search online for organizations in your area.

Understanding the nutritional requirements of fawns and resisting the urge to interfere with their natural development is crucial for their survival. While our intentions may be good, it's essential to recognize that human intervention can often do more harm than good. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, we can contribute to the well-being of these beautiful creatures and allow them to thrive in their natural environment. Remember, observing from a distance and contacting a licensed professional when necessary is the best way to offer assistance to a fawn in need. Let’s work together to protect our wildlife and preserve the delicate balance of nature. By understanding the specific needs of fawns, we can appreciate their wild beauty from afar and ensure their continued survival for generations to come.