With fawning season now in full swing, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is telling people to avoid approaching or touching white-tailed deer fawns.
From late April through June, white-tailed does frequently hide their young in tall grass or vegetation while they forage for food. Although these fawns may appear abandoned, they are using a natural survival strategy. State biologists warn that removing a fawn from the wild often does more harm than good and is a violation of state law, as only certified rehabilitators are permitted to care for them.
The Wildlife Commission recommends leaving fawns in their original location. If a fawn has already been moved, it should be returned to the same spot immediately, provided it has been held for less than forty-eight hours. Intervention is only considered appropriate if the animal is clearly injured or in distress.
To help with a truly orphaned or injured fawn, the N.C. Wildlife Helpline is available at 866-318-2401 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Find a Licensed Fawn Rehabilitator
You can search the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Rehabilitator Directory by county. Here are a few notable organizations serving the Eastern NC region:
- Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter (OWLS) – Newport/Morehead City area: (252) 240-1200
- Carolina Wildcare – Serving the Wilmington and coastal region: (910) 508-4100
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Eastern NC – Hookerton/Greenville area: (252) 747-8141
Before You Call
Wildlife officers recommend looking for these specific signs that a fawn actually needs help:
- "Curled Ears": A sign of severe dehydration.
- Persistent Bleating: Loud, continuous crying for more than several hours.
- Visible Injury: Open wounds, broken limbs, or the presence of fly eggs/maggots.
- Dead Mother: The mother is confirmed dead nearby (e.g., a roadside accident).
