Squirrel Friends Wildlife Rescue

Mothers will often leave fawns alone for over 12 hours a day!!

North Carolina is home to the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which can be found throughout the state in forests, fields, and even suburban areas. Fawns are typically born in late spring after a gestation period of about 200 days. It is completely natural for a mother deer to leave her fawn alone for several hours at a time while she feeds nearby. During this time, the fawn remains hidden, relying on its spotted coat and lack of scent to avoid predators. Well-meaning people often mistake these quiet, motionless fawns as abandoned, but in most cases, they are not in danger and should be left alone. Due to the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in parts of North Carolina, the rehabilitation of deer and fawns is highly restricted.

At Squirrel Friends Network, we are committed to educating the public on when wildlife truly needs help. If you believe a fawn may be in distress, please visit our Locate page to find a rehabilitator near you. Note that not all rehabilitators list their contact information publicly. If you need assistance, contact us and we will help connect you with someone who can guide you.