‘Don’t Kidnap the Fawn!’: Here’s What Stratford Animal Control Says To Do If You Come Across A Baby Deer

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Animal Control is offering tips on what to do if you come across a baby deer after responding to a report of an injured fawn on Thursday.

The animal control responded to Lawnbrook Park on the report of an injured fawn.

“Upon arrival, we determined the fawn was not injured and was exhibiting normal behavior,” officials wrote in a post on Facebook. “It was safely left in its original location.”

Read more from the Stratford Animal Control below:

Don’t Kidnap the Fawn! Here’s Why You Should Leave It Be

You may come across a baby deer (fawn) tucked quietly in the grass or bushes, just like this one. It might look lost or abandoned—but don’t panic, and definitely don’t touch or move it.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

1. Mom is Nearby (Even if You Don’t See Her)

Mother deer often leave their fawns hidden for hours while they forage for food. They do this to protect their baby from predators—because the fawn has no scent and lies still, it’s very hard to detect.

2. The Fawn is Not Abandoned

It’s completely normal for fawns to be left alone for long periods. Their best chance of survival is to stay exactly where mom left them.

3. Your Scent Can Be Dangerous

If you handle or move the fawn, your scent may attract predators or cause the mother to reject her baby. Even “just checking” or taking selfies can have fatal consequences.

4. Kidnapping is Illegal and Harmful

Removing wildlife without proper authorization is illegal in most states. Untrained care often leads to malnutrition, injury, and death for the animal.

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What You Should Do:

• Observe from a Distance: Use your camera or binoculars—but don’t approach.
• Do Not Touch or Feed: The fawn is not hungry, and it’s built to stay hidden and quiet.
• Call Professionals If Truly in Doubt: Contact your local Animal Control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator only if the fawn is visibly injured, has been crying for hours, or is found beside a dead adult deer.

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Nature Knows Best

Helping doesn’t always mean intervening. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is walk away.

Let that baby grow up wild and free.