Wildlife Welfare

Wild Roe Deer Fawn Welfare

Roe deer fawns are born in May-June and left alone for hours while their mothers feed, frequently being mistaken for abandoned animals requiring intervention.

Key Facts

Roe deer fawns have no scent for the first weeks of life as predator protection
Mothers leave fawns hidden for long periods while foraging - this is normal behaviour
Intervention by humans causes significant stress and removes a fawn's best survival strategy
If moved fawns must be returned exactly to where they were found
Genuine orphan fawns are usually found next to dead mothers or show prolonged distress

Welfare Considerations

Roe deer fawns found apparently alone are almost never abandoned. Human intervention causes acute stress and can result in the mother abandoning a fawn she would otherwise have returned to. The most welfare-appropriate action is always to leave apparently lone fawns undisturbed.

What You Can Do

Never pick up or move a roe deer fawn - leave it exactly where you find it
Contact your local wildlife rescue if a fawn shows clear signs of injury or distress
Keep dogs on leads in areas with roe deer during the fawning season