PARKED FAWNS—early spring and into summer
So, it is spring and you find a newborn fawn in your yard or nearly stumble over one on a walk. Please, please, please—do NOT assume this adorable baby needs your help!
Mama Deer are famous for parking their newborn fawns all over Lakeway. The fawns need to rest, and the does need to forage.
Parked fawns tend to curl up like cats and nap. The spot chosen may seem very exposed to us—out in the grass or even near a road. BUT–fawns are safer from predators out in the open than they would be if hidden in a wooded area. Mama Doe won’t don’t go far, and often other deer in her group keep watch. Removing a fawn that is not in danger or clearly in distress causes terrible harm to the fawn, its mother, and the entire herd.
Here is a cute and informative 2 minute video from Texas Parks and Wildlife on parked newborn fawns.
Signs a fawn is in trouble
The image below, courtesy of North Country Wild Care, shows 2 fawns–one with curled ear tips, a clear indication mama has been gone too long and it needs help.
–If the fawn is wandering around or bleating, it may need help.
–-If the fawn’s ears are curled at the tips, its mouth is dry, or its bottom is dirty, Mama Doe hasn’t been around in a long time to nurse or clean the baby, and the fawn needs help.
— If the fawn has been injured or is being attacked by fire ants, it needs help.
Otherwise, don’t get close enough to frighten it into moving from its assigned parking spot, and let Mama Doe return. Take a photo to post on social media and leave the fawn alone.
IF YOU DO FIND A FAWN IN DISTRESS
Here are people and groups to call:
—Leanne Dupay, permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife 512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.)
—Shandra Dettbarn, permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife 512-660-3568.
—City of Austin Animal Services (512-974-2000) serves Lakeway. An Animal Protection Officer will come out and likely take the animal to Austin Wildlife Rescue for care (see below).
–Austin Wildlife Rescue 512-472-9453 https://www.austinwildliferescue.org/ They are an intake center only and do not pick up animals. The location is at 5401 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78721. Hours are Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
—All Things Wild is located just north of Georgetown 512-897-0806 http://allthingswildrehab.org/ Their “Found a Fawn or Deer?” page has specific info. http://allthingswildrehab.org/deer/ Their “Contact” page has a lot of helpful info. http://allthingswildrehab.org/contact-us/
OTHER DEER NEEDING HELP
Stuck in a fence
If you find a deer stuck between metal fence pickets (or, worse—impaled on top of metal spikes or open pickets) call Lakeway police ASAP. The best number is the dispatch line 512-261-2899. They get a lot of deer/fence calls and know how to handle the situation.
Deer stuck between pickets will be older fawns or younger does. The officer will cover the deer’s head to calm it and then push it backward, getting it out the way it entered the fence. If the deer has not suffered internal injuries, even severe external scarring usually heals quickly.
Deer impaled on top of metal fences can sometimes be removed alive, but this is often a fatal situation. If necessary, the officer will shoot/euthanize the deer.
Other injuries
If you find an injured deer or have one hanging out in your yard, the key point is whether or not it is mobile. If so, not much can be done since it will run away from people trying to help. (However, even severe injuries like deep lacerations and broken legs will often heal quite quickly.)
If the deer is NOT mobile, the next issue is location.
If the deer is in or near a road, call Lakeway police immediately as this is a traffic hazard. The best number is the dispatch line 512-261-2899.
If the deer is NOT a traffic hazard, check with these groups for advice:
–Austin Wildlife Rescue 512-472-9453 https://www.austinwildliferescue.org/
–All Things Wild is located just north of Georgetown. 512-897-0806 http://allthingswildrehab.org/
And, when the worst happens, contact Lakeway’s Public Works Department for dead animal removal 512-608-9000. Or, go here to fill out a form online–https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/160/Deceased-Animal-Disposal-Service