Deer
Found a deer?
A fawn lying alone and still is often exactly where its mother left it. Adult deer that are injured or trapped need distance and qualified help, not direct assistance.
If an animal is injured, orphaned, or displaced, contact licensed or permitted help before feeding or handling. Share what you are seeing so the animal can reach appropriate wildlife care.
Start here
Leave a quiet, still fawn where it is; the mother is likely nearby.
Keep people and pets away and avoid repeated visits to check on it.
For an injured or trapped adult, keep distance and contact qualified help.
Share the exact location, behavior, and any visible injuries.
Do not do these while waiting for guidance
Do not pick up, move, or try to rescue a healthy-looking fawn.
Do not offer food or water.
Do not attempt to free a tangled or trapped adult deer yourself.
Why this matters
Most fawns found alone do not need help. Give space, watch from a distance, and reach out if something looks clearly wrong rather than acting right away.
Other situations to know
Does anything else apply here?
These situations can happen with any animal, including this one. Keep them in mind alongside the guidance above.
Found as an injured adult?
Adult wildlife can injure people when scared, even when they look weak. The best first step is distance, safety, photos, and a call to qualified help.
Do not attempt to capture adult wildlife unless instructed by a qualified person.
Do not grab, corner, chase, or throw a towel over it without guidance.
Take photos or video from a safe distance and share location, species, and visible injuries.
Hit by a vehicle?
Vehicle strikes can involve hidden injuries, traffic danger, and babies nearby. Stay safe first, then share exact location and visible details.
Do not step into traffic or block a roadway to reach the animal.
Call local emergency services or animal control when people or traffic are at risk.
Note the exact road, nearest cross street, and direction of travel.
Did tree work disturb a nest or den?
Tree trimming, removals, landscaping, and storm cleanup can expose nests or dens. Pausing work and getting guidance can prevent avoidable harm.
Stop work in the immediate area if it is safe to do so.
Keep equipment, pets, and foot traffic away from the babies or nest area.
Do not relocate babies to a random tree, box, or yard without guidance.