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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Doe, a deer, a female deer! It’s the thick of fawn season here in Central Texas, and plenty of does are welcoming their newest bundles of joy. But amid the warmer weather and burgeoning wildlife, The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is stressing Texans educate themselves on the dos and don’ts of fawn season.
Here in Texas, TPWD estimates there are approximately 5.3 million white-tailed deer, and they’re present in virtually every county statewide. They live everywhere from more remote, rural areas to urban communities, per TPWD.
TPWD officials said baby birds and deer fawns are the most popular animals “rescued” by civilians who think they’ve been abandoned. Despite those well-meaning intentions, TPWD cautioned against it, arguing most human-animal interactions are “unnecessary” and can be harmful to the young wildlife involved.
“TPWD cautions against lending a helping hand, as even the best intentions can cause more harm than good,” Meredith Longoria, TPWD’s Wildlife Division Deputy Director, said in a news release. “Most of the time, young wildlife is not abandoned but simply staying in a safe space while their parents search for food. It’s best to leave rehabilitation of wildlife to those with the proper equipment, training and permits that authorize them to do so.”
Deer fawn season typically begins in either early or mid-May and carries through to July, per the nonprofit organization Texas Fawn & Friends. Once born, TPWD experts said it’s not uncommon for does to leave their fawns alone for hours while foraging for food.
“During that time, people may spot a fawn lying alone in tall grass or in a brushy area. Many people interfere with the fawn thinking it has been abandoned by its mother and needs help, but this is rarely the case,” the release read in part.
The one exception TPWD officials mentioned is when a young animal is “obviously injured.” Bystanders are advised to watch the animal from a distance for some time to see whether it’s injured or abandoned before intervening.
If the animal is injured, TPWD encouraged people reach out to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for trained intervention assistance. Members of the public aren’t recommended to try and handle or care for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife on their own.
TPWD highlights resources and best practices for aiding orphaned and injured animals online.
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