How to Tell When a New York Deer Needs Actually Help

Most New York residents know that finding a baby deer doesn't necessarily mean the small animal is in trouble.

Many animals, including deer, leave their young offspring while they forage for food. Sometimes, however, a fawn does need human intervention. Here's what to look for:

It is usually a bad idea to try and "rescue" a baby deer found all alone... unless they show these signs (SoulShine Wildlife Center via Facebook)

When Does a Baby Deer Actually Need Help?

Most well-meaning New Yorkers try to "help" a fawn when they believe it's been abandoned. While that usually is not the case, there's at least one instance where that likelihood is very high.

Anyone who hits a deer in the spring or summer should take the time to check for any fawns that might have been with their mother (Canva)

Hit a Deer? Check for Fawns Nearby

Recently, a wildlife sanctuary took to social media to remind drivers to look for fawns in the unfortunate event that they hit an adult deer. "At this time of year, when a doe is hit by a car, it's so important to stop and check if she had a fawn with her or if one may have been born upon impact", they shared. And that's not all.

The fawn on the left seems healthy, while the fawn on the right shows signs of dehydration due to the sunken area behind its eye (Canva/SoulShine Wildlife Center via Facebook)

Signs a Fawn Actually Needs Rescuing

The sanctuary noted that they recently took in a small deer after its mother was hit by a car. They also pointed out a telltale sign that the young buck was suffering from dehydration (below).

Signs of Dehydration in Baby Deer

As the post shared, a sunken area behind a fawn's eye can be a sign of dehydration, something a "normal" fawn under the care of their mother likely would not have. They also shared that there can be some "fake" signs of trouble:

As a reminder: curled ears are not a reliable sign that a fawn needs help. Some fawns are born with curled ears, while others may curl them temporarily for various reasons. Both healthy and unhealthy fawns can show this trait. It’s important to assess a combination of signs- behavior being one of the most telling.

How to Find a Licensed Wildlife Rescue in New York State

It's also important to ensure that any animal in distress (including fawns) be given care by licensed professionals. New York residents are encouraged to contact their local Department of Environmental Conservation office or a licensed center found through the database HERE.