Warning: Don't Mess with Fawns in Reston, Police Say

RESTON, VA — With spring in full swing, Reston residents may see a white-tailed deer fawn motionless and without their mother. Resist the urge to intervene, police say.

Fawns are born April through July, with the majority born in June, and it's common for Fairfax County residents to find fawns that appear to be orphaned or abandoned. But in almost all cases, fawns have only been temporarily left by their mother for protection and don't need any help, according to a statement from the Fairfax County Police Department.

"Female deer, called does, typically leave their fawns bedded down for extended periods of time while they are away foraging in order to avoid leading predators to their young," the statement notes. "If you see a fawn that appears abandoned, leave it alone. People don’t often see that mother deer return at dawn and dusk to move and/or feed their young. Keep children and pets away and give the fawn space to allow the doe to return to its baby."

Young fawns rely on hiding for safety, so they won't try to run away if they are approached. Don't disturb it if you find one, because it stresses the animal out. If you have "rescued" a fawn, return it immediately to the place where you found it, as the mother will be looking for it, police advise.

Only assist fawns that show obvious signs of injury or distress, or if there is a dead doe nearby. In those cases, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian, or the Animal Protect Police.

"Do not feed the fawn or attempt to care for it yourself," the statement adds. "Raising a wild animal in captivity is illegal in Virginia unless you have a wildlife rehabilitation permit issued by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries."

If you have any questions, contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline toll-free at 1-855-571-9003. The Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Fairfax County Animal Protection Police can be reached through the Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.

Image via FCPD