Baby Fawns and Rabbits: They’re Probably NOT Orphaned
If you find a fawn (baby deer) or a kit (baby rabbit) that is alone and you are worried that it is abandoned - LEAVE IT WHERE IT IS!!!
Deer and rabbit mothers leave their babies alone for the majority of the day. They are out searching for food, and stay away from their babies to avoid detection by predators. They visit their babies only two or three times each day to feed them, but the babies are alone for much of the day.
Every year, many fawns and baby rabbits are essentially kidnapped from their mothers by well-meaning members of the public who think they are abandoned, when they are not.
If the fawn or baby rabbit appears to be of a normal weight, doesn't have any visible injuries, and isn't crying or covered in insects/ants, this means that it is a healthy baby waiting for its mother to return. Please - for the health of our fawns and baby rabbits, leave them where they are!
You can also call the Bidwell Wildlife Rehab hotline at (530) 343-9004 if you have any specific concerns.
More information can be found online here:
Deer and rabbit mothers leave their babies alone for the majority of the day. They are out searching for food, and stay away from their babies to avoid detection by predators. They visit their babies only two or three times each day to feed them, but the babies are alone for much of the day.
Every year, many fawns and baby rabbits are essentially kidnapped from their mothers by well-meaning members of the public who think they are abandoned, when they are not.
If the fawn or baby rabbit appears to be of a normal weight, doesn't have any visible injuries, and isn't crying or covered in insects/ants, this means that it is a healthy baby waiting for its mother to return. Please - for the health of our fawns and baby rabbits, leave them where they are!
You can also call the Bidwell Wildlife Rehab hotline at (530) 343-9004 if you have any specific concerns.
More information can be found online here:
Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation serves Butte, Colusa & Glenn counties in Northern CA. Here is a list of all licensed rehab facilities in California.
