Our local fawn season for Mule Deer has just begun. If you see a fawn alone in the forest please leave it alone. Fawns are hidden by their moms for up to 8 hours between feedings and they are typically very safe in those situations. Fawns only need help if they are obviously injured, following you, continuously crying loudly, have a dirty behind, or if their mom is nearby and is deceased or badly injured.
Never attempt to feed a fawn. They have very limited diets and can become irreversibly ill if they are fed the wrong things.
Local fawn season goes from mid-May through late July each year. If you find a fawn in distress it is best to contact the experts for advice before interacting with the fawn.
In that case, please contact one of the following organizations which are permitted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to care for fawns:
- Sierra Wildlife Rescue (SWR) at 530-678-3296 (530-678-FAWN)
- Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) at 530-885-0862 (leave a message on the mammal line for a call back).
- A list of CDFW licensed rehabilitation facilities can be found at https://ca.pulse.ly/vuw9xgn5tc.
- If you are outside the area or state visit https://ahnow.pulse.ly/xtuq45nf6l to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you.
Do not give fawns or any wildlife to individuals or organizations that are not permitted by the State of California as they need specialized care. And please remember that even with human help, fawns have a poor chance of survival without their moms.