SPCA for Monterey County says leave the fawns alone

The SPCA for Monterey County is asking the community to leave baby deer, known as fawns alone.

So far this year, the SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center received 11 fawns, six of which were healthy babies taken from their mothers unintentionally.

“While two were successfully reunited with their mothers and two are still in our care, sadly, two did not survive their encounters with humans,” said director of community outreach, Beth Brookhouser.

According to the SPCA for Monterey County, mother deer leave their babies hidden in a safe place during most of the day, often only visiting them during dawn and dusk.

“These fawns are not abandoned; the mother is likely out of sight watching you. If you find a fawn lying quietly in the grass leave it where it is, stay back and out of sight, and keep dogs as far away as possible,” said Brookhouser.

If a fawn has been picked up, place it back in the exact place where it was found. The SPCA encourages folks to stand back and wait for the mother’s return (which could take hours).

If you are worried that the fawn might be in distress, look for the following signs:

labored breathing walking and vocalizing for over an hour blood clearly broken bones lying prone on its side (rather than curled or on its stomach) a deceased mother on site

If you see the signs listed above, do not rescue the fawn yourself. Call the SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at 831-264-5427.