Don’t Interfere with Maine’s Wildlife Babies, Call an Expert

I know you think you're helping when you help a cute fawn that's on it's own, but Wardens say you're putting it in danger.

Maine Deer Babies are Everywhere in the Spring

This is the time of year when all the little fawns are being born. They're so sweet and fragile-looking that you wonder how they survive. And the answer is, because their Moms are watching out for them.

READ MORE: What to Do If You're Face to Face With an Aggressive Maine Black Bear

My husband, Jim, and I were in Orrington the other day, and saw this little cutie with her mother. She was newly born and still figuring out how her gawky legs worked, but Mom was watching out for her and slowing her pace, while also keeping a keen eye on us.

Maine Warden Service Urges Mainers to Leave Solo Fawns Alone

Despite that protectiveness, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says deer moms are not helicopter moms. They will leave their fawns alone when they're very young, because the babies can't keep up with Mom's fast pace.

It's not unusual to find the youngsters curled up somewhere, all by themselves. Jim and I found this little guy in the stream behind our house, getting a drink.

As close as this photo is, I was using a close-up lens. We were not this close to the fawn because we didn't want to get our scent on him.

When you see a fawn like this, Mom is rarely far away, according to the Warden Service. She's eating nearby so she can keep up her strength for the baby.

Maine Wardens Say Even Though a Fawn is Alone, Mom is Nearby

Does will check in a couple times per day to nurse and groom the youngsters, as long as you and your pets keep your distance. If you get to close, Mom will get spooked.

More information about his to spot a truly orphaned fawn can be found on the Maine DIF&W website. And if you find a fawn, contact Wardens before interacting with it.

Again, if you care, leave it there.