Animal Care and Control releases guidelines for fawn encounters

[image:878,left]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2013

For more information, please contact:
Laurie Ringquist, Director, City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control, 349.3870, [mailto:ringquil@bloomington.in.gov]

City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control releases guidelines for fawn encounters

Bloomington, Ind. - It's the time of year when fawns are being born. It's also the time of year when concerned residents call animal and wildlife agencies about lone fawns they find in woods and backyards, assuming these fawns have been orphaned.

When a fawn isn't feeding, the doe will seek out a quiet spot to hide her young to avoid attracting predators. While homeowners and renters may not think their yards are an ideal spot, it looks so to the doe in the early morning hours. During the day, the doe is usually nearby, aware and attentive. If you find a fawn like this, leave the fawn alone. A concerned and anxious mother is nearby and will take care of the fawn once you leave.

The following pointers can help determine whether a fawn needs assistance:

• Is the fawn lying quietly? As a prey species, the fawn will be alert but lie quiet and still, even if someone approaches. This is normal behavior. If the fawn appears dazed or lethargic, it may need help.
• Is the fawn wandering and crying? A vocal fawn is usually an orphaned fawn since instinct normally tells them to lie quietly so as not to attract predators.
• Is the fawn covered in ants and/or flies? A healthy fawn will not allow insects to crawl, bite or lay eggs on it.
• Is the fawn visibly injured?

To ensure the safety of humans and deer, anyone who encounters a lone fawn should keep the following information in mind:

• Keep children and pets away from the fawn and any other deer. Deer are not inherently aggressive. However, like most mothers, a doe can become aggressive if she perceives that her young are being threatened.
• If you suspect a fawn has been orphaned do not attempt to move or feed it. Feeding fawns cow's milk is a common mistake that can kill a fawn. Please call City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control at 349.3492 for assistance.
• If you suspect that a fawn (or any deer) has been injured, do not attempt to move it. Instead, please call Animal Care and Control.

Please be aware that WildCare is not able to take in orphaned or injured fawns this season due to financial constraints and the need to rebuild their fawn enclosure. There are no other rehabilitators serving this area. The only option for orphaned or injured fawns is for the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control to humanely euthanize them. If you are uncertain about a fawn and whether it needs assistance, please leave it alone and contact Animal Care and Control to discuss the situation.

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