If you spot a fawn don't let its fragile looks fool you. They are very strong creatures and survive extremely well in the wild. They are extremely difficult to rehabilitate once removed so only do this if they are in pain or danger. Many rescued fawns will die of stress in captivity.

Fawns can walk within hours of birth but cannot follow their mother for great distances when she grazes to produce the milk she will need to feed them. In these early stages when the fawns are left many are prey to foxes. Fawns are very timid and can go into shock and die if caught by us. the mother is often near but will not return if you are present and will leave her fawn for good rather than risk coming in contact with humans. Please do not touch contact you nearest wildlife rescue for advice.

If the fawn is injured contact a vet and always keep the fawn warm and very protected as it may go into shock.

Fawns will rest still in the same place for many hours waiting for their mother to return from feeding. For this reason we always ask you to contact us before removing them incase they are waiting for their parent.

Roe deer give birth from may to June.The fawns can walk at an hour old just like the adorable Bambi in the Disney film they will always follow their mother. Sometimes the mother will walk long distances to find food and the baby will remain still and hidden until her return. It maybe one of these you have found so please do not remove it.

If you are sure the fawn is in danger or injured and has to be aided contact us or your nearest wildlife rescue. Please ensure you keep the youngster warm and covered until you can get it treatment.

QUICK FACTS

Life span
Up to 10-12 years.

Statistics
Body length: 95-135cm, Height (at shoulder): 63-67cm, Weight: 18-29kg.

Physical description
These small deer have a white to buff patch on their rump, a black nose and 'moustache', and a white chin. Their coat varies from sandy to reddish-brown in the summer, to gray/ brown or even black in winter.They molt in the spring, giving the coat a moth-eaten appearance. The antlers, which have no more than three points and are less than 25cm in length, grow in winter, and are shed in the autumn.

Distribution
Roe deer are found throughout Europe, but they are absent from Ireland, much of Portugal, Greece, and large parts of England and Wales. They also inhabit Asia. They live in woodland, preferably with open patches of ground, and with access to the edges of fields.

Diet
Roe deer feed on brambles, roses, herbs, grasses, and the leaves of young broad-leaved trees and bushes - but they are very particular - choosing only the most nutritious items.

Behavior
Both male and female roe deer are solitary and are highly territorial, with clearly defined boundaries. They scent mark, and these scents give information about the sex, age, and dominance of the individual.

Roe deer have a very good sense of smell and hearing, and their vision is acutely aware of moving objects. When alarmed, roe deer bark.

Reproduction
Roe deer have a gestation period of up to about 294 days, including a period of delayed implantation (where the fertilized egg does not attach itself to the wall of the uterus) of up to 150 days.

They mate in July/August, the fawn is born in the spring, and is brown in color with rows of white spots on its back and flanks. The fawns are weaned after 6-10 weeks.

Conservation status
Roe deer are not an endangered species, despite the fact that up to 90 per cent die during their first year. This is due to heavy predation on fawns by foxes, and by lynx in mainland Europe. Starvation and respiratory infections also take their toll of wildlife in its natural environment.