05/18/2023
🦌 Fawn season is upon us! 🦌
Mule deer most commonly give birth to two babies, usually around mid-May. These newborn fawns are purposely left alone by their mothers for long periods of time. Does will stay away from the fawns to avoid leading predators to their location. The white-spotted coat camouflages a fawn as it lies motionless in vegetation. Young fawns generally will not try to run away when they are approached. Does return several times each day to move and/or feed their young. You probably will not see the doe at all since she only stays to feed the fawn for just a few minutes before leaving them alone again.
If you spot fawns on their own, please leave them alone! Fawns have no scent and predators cannot find them unless humans interfere. If a fawn is vocalizing or seems otherwise in distress, please observe from a distance and call or text the wildlife hotline at 541-241-8680. Keep pets and humans away from the baby to maximize their chance of survival!