What to Do If You Find an Injured Fawn in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Georgia's lush landscapes are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the ever-graceful fawn. While these young deer are a beautiful sight to behold, they can sometimes find themselves in unfortunate situations, such as being injured or separated from their mothers. If you come across an injured fawn, it's crucial to take the right steps before contacting a wildlife rehabber. Here's a guide to help you navigate this delicate situation.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before you approach the fawn, take a moment to assess the situation from a distance. Is the fawn visibly injured, or does it seem to be in distress? If the fawn appears healthy and alert, it's best to leave it alone, as its mother is likely nearby.

Step 2: Ensure Your Safety

Wild animals can be unpredictable, and an injured fawn may be frightened or stressed. Make sure you're at a safe distance and that you're not putting yourself or the animal at further risk.

Step 3: Use Gloves or a Towel

If you determine that the fawn is indeed injured and needs immediate attention, use gloves or a towel to handle it. This minimizes the risk of transmitting diseases and reduces the animal's stress.

Step 4: Move the Fawn to a Safe Location

Carefully lift the fawn and move it to a safe, quiet location away from traffic or potential predators. Place it on a soft surface like grass or a blanket.

Step 5: Check for Obvious Injuries

Look for visible signs of injury such as bleeding, broken limbs, or distress. Do not attempt to treat the injuries yourself, as this could worsen the fawn's condition.

Step 6: Keep the Fawn Warm

If the weather is cold or the fawn is in shock, use a blanket to keep it warm. Do not offer food or water, as improper feeding can lead to complications.

Step 7: Limit Human Interaction

Minimize contact with the fawn to reduce stress and prevent it from becoming accustomed to humans, which could hinder its chances of survival in the future.

Step 8: Contact a Wildlife Rehabber

Once you've taken these initial steps, it's time to contact a qualified wildlife rehabber for further assistance. They will provide expert care and determine the best course of action for the fawn's recovery.

Conclusion

Finding an injured fawn can be a heart-wrenching experience, but knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in its chances for survival. Always remember that the ultimate goal is to help the fawn return to the wild where it belongs.

For more information on wildlife rehabilitation and how you can help, feel free to explore our website or contact us directly.