A small fawn found alone in a meadow is not necessarily orphaned or abandoned. In most cases, mother is nearby - feeding - but alert and ready to defend her baby. Deer often leave their young alone in a secluded spot, even keeping twins in separate locations, to ensure predators will not discover both.
An "orphan" is:
- A young animal
- Unable to care for itself
- Whose parents are known to be dead
or believed unlikely to return.
If you have found a healthy young animal that is able to walk and is fully feathered or furred it probably does not need your help. Observe the animal from a distance and call a rehabilitator for advice and assistance.
Young ducks and geese are commonly separated from the rest of their brood. If you find a young duckling, note the location of possible streams and ponds in the nearby area and call a rehabilitator for advice on how to reunite the duckling.
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