When we first moved into our house north of Toronto, a chain link fence was installed behind our property line by the conservation authority to protect the ravine. One hot summer day, as I was preparing a meal in the kitchen, I saw a creature laying right behind the fence. At first, I thought it was a rabbit but then I saw some white spots. I quickly ran outside to the backyard. There was a little fawn laying right there. I told my family to come outside and have a look. We thought he was lost or being abandoned by the mother. He wasn’t scared at all. We tried to offer him some water and milk but he wasn’t interested. The sun was shining right on this little thing and I asked my husband to see if he could move him to a shady area. Then the fawn started to try to escape from us. Even though he couldn’t walk very well, he walked bit by bit into the ravine and made his escape.

The following are some photos that we took:

We later on found online the following information;

White-tailed Deer fawns are born April through July, with the majority of fawns born in June. Most first-year does will have one fawn each year, but twins or triplets are typically seen thereafter.

Until they are strong enough to keep up with their mothers, deer fawns are left alone while their mothers go off to feed. Mother deer will stay away from the fawns to avoid leading predators to their young. Does return at dawn and dusk to feed and/or move their young.

Fawns are typically left in an area with tall grass or bushes, but sometimes they are left in more open areas, including backyards. Older deer fawn may wander short distances.

Well-meaning humans often assume that because a fawn is alone it must be an orphan, leading to numerous fawn “kidnappings” each year.

A fawn has the BEST chance of survival when cared for by its mother. Typically, the best option is to leave the fawn alone!

Debby Gaskin