05/18/2026
Message from Animal Control Officer Czech
In May and June, does seek out secluded areas with tall grass, brush, or dense bushes to give birth and hide their fawns from predators. Here are some things to look out for and know:
~ After giving birth, the doe will leave her newborns alone for most of the day, returning at dawn and dusk to nurse them. Although the fawns may seem abandoned, they are not. The mother will continue to care for them, even jumping fences to reach and feed them.
~ To maximize their chances of survival, fawns stay curled up and motionless on the forest floor, using their scentless fur and white spots to camouflage with their surroundings. In their first few days of life, they remain close to their birth site, needing time to build strength and develop their bones and muscles.
~If a fawn becomes trapped in your fenced-in yard, do not worry. Simply open the gates, and they will find a way out.
~If you have a dog, it's best to bring them inside first. Then, open the gate and gently guide the fawn toward it. Move slowly and calmly—fawns can panic, and if they miss the opening, they might continue running into the fence and seriously hurt themselves.
~Fawns should not be taken in and fed regular store bought milk. That will make them sick.
If you have any issues or problems with a fawn contact: PA Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD or Abington Township Animal Control to assist with the situation 267-620-1412.
