Don't Move A Newborn Fawn To Mow Your Lawn, Livingston Tells Residents

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Just because Bambi didn't have a mom, doesn't mean that's the case with most fawns you see this time of year, the township of Livingston told residents in a message to the community last week.

"Livingston has many areas where homes are either in, or adjacent to wooded areas," the town said. "It's important for us to understand that wildlife is a part of our beautiful town, and our co-existence is necessary."

Town spokesperson Judith Heller said Monday, "Both Town Hall and the Police Department were receiving calls about what were perceived as abandoned fawns. We were also seeing an increase in

activity surrounding this on Facebook and wanted to reassure residents that is a normal and natural process for mother and baby."

The town explained in its message that if you see a little deer in your yard, there's probably a good reason — and you should leave it alone, with a few exceptions.

"Mothers hide their newborn fawns in tall grass or brush and move some distance away to avoid drawing predators to their offspring," the town said. "With the proliferation of deer in Livingston, sometimes this happens in our own yards."

Yet, people sometimes call animal control. The town says that's not necessary.

"Needing to mow your lawn or let your dog out is NOT reason for Animal Control to remove a fawn from your property," the town said. " The fawn should only be there for a majority of the day."

They added, "The fawns wait in hiding until their mother returns, and typically both will be gone within 24 hours."

The town did, however, list reasons that it might be necessary to call officials (see below).

If you find a fawn:

• Do not move it
• Do not approach it
• Do stay far away from it
• Do keep babies, dogs and others away and inside to give the mother a chance to return

More details:

• Unless it's in immediate danger, such as sitting in the middle of the road, don't touch a fawn; if it is moving across the street by itself, leave it alone.
• If you see a fawn, walk away quietly, and always keep your dog on a leash, quiet and away from a fawn.
• Give mother and fawn time. It is natural for a mother deer leave her fawn alone for long periods.
• If a fawn is lying quietly and is not crying more than a few calls, there is a very good chance its mother has been back and fed it recently and will return again.

However:

• If the fawn is in the same spot for longer than 24 hours, or is crying often, loudly and consistently, there is a possibility that there may be an issue. Only in these types of cases is it appropriate to contact Animal Control.

To find out how and when to call the Police Department's Animal Control division, or how to report a non-timely problem via the internet, click here.

If your pet is lost, call Livingston Animal Control at 973-992-3000 ext. #3390. For emergencies or calling after hours or on weekends, call the Police Department at 973-992-3000.

Find the deer message here.