If You Care, Leave It There

written by Elain Burns, Environmental Stewardship Manager, Finger Lakes Region

White-tailed Deer Fawn at Fair Haven Beach State Park

Summer is underway and young wildlife is appearing throughout the parks. Fawns, baby birds, and other young wildlife may appear abandoned, but their parents are often close by. Parents often pace their young somewhere to keep them hidden from predators while they are off collecting food. You might think these baby animals need assistance, but well-intentioned interference can pose risks to the animals and humans.   

White-tailed deer fawns are typically born in May and June. Newborn fawns spend most of their first several days lying still in tall grass, leaf litter, or sometimes unconcealed while the doe (adult female deer) is out feeding. Fawns have protective coloration and ability to remain motionless to help avoid detection by predators and people. Doe’s will typically return to their fawns every 4-6 hours. If you find a fawn alone and quiet, but alert, it is likely being cared for. If you’re concerned about the fawn’s wellbeing, observe from a distance over a period of hours, keeping children and pets away. Avoid repeated visitation, adult does may not approach if people are close by. If someone has unfortunately already handled a fawn, quickly return the fawn to the exact spot where it was found and leave the area; the doe will return in search of her fawn once the area is safe.

Have you ever encountered a baby bird or fledgling on the ground?

Neslings have closed eyes and can be featherless. Once the bird develops feathers and begins to flap their wings in anticipation of their first flight, they become fledglings. If a nestling is found on the ground, return the baby bird to the nest if possible. If the nest cannot be reached safely, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Fledglings can hop and flutter on their own, and spend short periods of time out of the nest. If the bird is alert and fully feathered, and moving around, avoid intervening. The parents are likely nearby and will continue to feed and care for them.

If you do encounter a fawn or baby animal that is obviously injured or orphaned (is not attended for a long period of time), call a Wildlife Rehabilitator for advice and help. They are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife. They have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals back into the wild.

Most people have the best intentions  when they find wild animals. If you find a fawn, baby birds, or other young wildlife alone, please remember, “If You Care, Leave It There.”