Indiana Conservation Officers are reporting an increase in calls about fawns being unnecessarily removed from the wild and are reminding the public not to interfere with young deer found alone.
In the early weeks of life, fawns spend much of their time lying still and hidden, while their mothers briefly leave the area to feed. This is a natural behavior, and the mother will return to nurse—typically only after people and pets have left the area.
Officials stress that unless a fawn appears visibly sick or injured, it should be left alone. Human contact, including handling the fawn or lingering nearby, can discourage the mother from returning and may also leave a scent trail that could attract predators.
Conservation Officers encourage everyone to “keep wildlife wild” and avoid interfering with young animals in their natural environment.
For more information, visit on.IN.gov/keepwildlifewild.
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