I Found a Young Deer All Alone Hiding in The Bushes

If I blinked I would have missed it.

I Found a Fawn All Alone in the Bushes of Beacon, New York

While walking my dog earlier this week, I took him near the bushes of the woods in my yard and let him do his normal sniffing.

He's a part hound, and usually picks up a scent and wont let it go until he's satisfied. It had looked like he found a pretty good scent but moved on rather quickly. However, something caught my eye, and thankfully not my dogs.

It was a fawn, hidden in the bushes, just laying there not moving. If I had blinked I would have missed it.

Can you see it? Here's a closer look:

As soon as I saw the fawn, I was immediately concerned. Where's it's mother? Should I call animal control? Is it in distress?

So I did a little research. . .

What To Do If You Find a Baby Deer All Alone

According to The National Wildlife Federation, finding a fawn all by itself like this is actually completely normal.

They explain "Most fawns are left alone by their mothers for extended periods while the doe forages for food." The New York State DEC explains " The newborn fawns will be hidden away in tall grass or under bushes while the adults are out feeding."

With that being said, they add that if you find a deer alone "it's crucial to avoid touching or interfering with it." The National Wildlife Federation says that human contact can actually harm the fawn.

The DEC adds that the fawns will gain strength after a few weeks and will be able to join their mother while foraging for food.

Spring Brings Arrival of Newborn Wildlife in New York State

The Department of Environmental Conservation in New York State explains that the spring and summer months mean "the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife."

They say that young fawns, cottontail rabbits, fledgling birds are mistakenly "kidnapped" by humans because of their behavior in the wilderness like shaky legs, fragile wings and being left alone by their mothers.

The DEC writes:

While some are learning survival from one or both parents, others normally receive little or no parental care. Often, wild animal parents stay away from their young when people are near.

The wildlife is usually perfectly fine, but if you do see them in distress call the DEC at  518-402-8883.