Nothing in this world is more compelling than the clear moist teardrop eye of a young fawn. One glance in the eyes of one of these frightened helpless spotted beauties and most people are bound and determined to help.

We make numerous phone calls and drive many miles to transport a fawn to a willing rehabilitator. We even bring a fawn home and try to raise it ourselves.

Unfortunately the results of our good intentions are invariably disastrous. These young darlings have very specific needs both in housing and milk. They are prone to diarrhea, become easily dehydrated and often die a miserable death in captivity. They imprint easily resulting in aggression towards people, or a lack of fear of people, later in life.

The worst part of this story is that the vast majority of “orphaned” or “abandoned” fawns aren’t orphaned or abandoned at all. They have simply been “parked” by their mothers so she can forage and produce enough of her special milk to sustain her fawn. She will return within 12 hours to feed her camouflaged baby and move it to a new spot.

If you ever find yourself eye to eye with an abandoned fawn curled on the ground, wait before intervening, as strong as the urge to help may be. Give mom 6-12 hours to reclaim her fawn. If that doesn’t work, call Piedmont Wildlife Center (919) 572-WILD.