Baby Deer Spotted Throughout Holmdel: What To Do If You See One

HOLMDEL, NJ — See any baby deer around town lately? Don’t worry — Holmdel Police are offering tips and guidance on when you need to call for assistance.

According to police, the department has received numerous calls about baby deer (also known as fawns) found by residents in their yards.

Though some may think the fawns have been abandoned because the mother isn't near them, police said fawns instinctively know to lie still and not make any sounds, as the mother often leaves them to look for food and later comes back to nurse them.

If the baby deer is left for an extended period of time or is injured, police said residents should call dispatch. If not, police are advising residents to keep an eye on them from afar.

“If the baby deer is there for an extended period or has an apparent injury, please call dispatch,” Holmdel Police said. “Otherwise, keep an eye on the fawn from a distance and know that the mother deer found your yard a safe place to leave her baby while she’s away.”

According to NJ Fish & Wildlife, young fawns are generally safe because their color pattern and lack of scent help them remain undetected until their mother’s return.

If you’ve picked up a fawn and brought it home, authorities recommend putting the fawn back, as even after one or two days of removal from the wild, fawns have successfully reunited with their mothers by returning them to the place where they were found.

The Holmdel Township Police Department can be reached at 732-946-4400. To see the department’s post about the baby deer, you can click here.

For more guidance on finding injured or young wildlife, you can click here.