Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
What should you do if you find a fawn alone without its mother?
Remove the fawn immediately to care for it
Observe it from a distance for at least 12 hours
Assume it is orphaned and take it indoors
Leave it without any monitoring
The correct answer is: Observe it from a distance for at least 12 hours
Observing a fawn from a distance for at least 12 hours is highly advisable when encountering one alone. This practice is rooted in understanding deer behavior. Fawns are often left alone by their mothers for extended periods while the mother feeds or moves through the area. During this time, the fawn remains still and quiet to avoid drawing predators' attention. By observing the fawn without intervening immediately, you can determine if the mother returns. In many cases, the mother will come back for her young, and direct human intervention may not be necessary. Immediate removal of the fawn, assuming it's orphaned, or taking it indoors can have negative consequences, including disrupting the bond between mother and fawn or causing undue stress to the fawn. Understanding these dynamics emphasizes the importance of patience and careful observation before deciding on the proper course of action in wildlife rehabilitation.