Injured & Orphaned Deer
The Tenafly Nature Center does not take injured or orphaned wildlife! An animal’s best chance of survival is in the care of its own mother.
If your circumstance requires you to handle it, always wear protective gloves and place a towel over it to reduce stress. Always take extreme caution with wild animals. They may harbor diseases and try to defend themselves when fearful. Always be overly cautious of an animal you suspect is sick and in this scenario, keep yourself, children, and pets at a distance, and contact animal control immediately.
Have you found a young deer?
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Mother deer typically leave their fawn alone during the day while they go off to feed. This is normal behavior. It is the fawn’s job to lay still and evade detection, sometimes for many hours of the day. They achieve this by their lack of scent and color pattern.Mother deer typically leave their fawn alone during the day while they go off to feed. This is normal behavior. It is the fawn’s job to lay still and evade detection, sometimes for many hours of the day. They achieve this by their lack of scent and color pattern.
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The mother will return to nurse the fawn and eventually bring it with her.
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If you are aware that the mother deer has been killed, or if the fawn are visibly injured, they will need to go to a wildlife rehabilitator.If you are aware that the mother deer has been killed, or if the fawn are visibly injured, they will need to go to a wildlife rehabilitator.
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Signs of injury include shivering, vomiting, emaciation, bleeding, hit by a car, or attacked by a dog.Signs of injury include shivering, vomiting, emaciation, bleeding, hit by a car, or attacked by a dog.
How to Transport a Rescued Animal to the Wildlife Rehabilitator:
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Prepare a large box. Place a clean, soft cloth or towel at the bottom of a cardboard box or large dog carrier.
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Protect yourself. Remember that these are wild animals. They are scared and may try to defend themselves. Even if the animal doesn’t try to scratch, bite, or peck, parasites and diseases are common. Wear gloves, cover the animal with another cloth or towel, and gently place it in the box. Wash your hands and forearms after contact.
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Keep the animal calm and warm. Keep children and pets away. Do not bother or handle the animal longer than necessary. Keep it covered for warmth and in a dark quite place.
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Do not attempt to feed or provide water.
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Note where you found the animal. This is important for release.
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Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not keep the animal in your home. It is illegal to house injured/orphaned wildlife without the proper training and credentials.
The advice expressed on this page is to be utilized at your own discretion. Laws regarding wildlife may differ between counties.
Local Wildlife Rehabilitators Accepting Deer
Complete list of Wildlife Rehabilitators