If you come across a fawn lying quietly in your yard, police advise not to worry as it is likely not abandoned
Call him The Deer Whisperer.
A little fawn’s misadventure early Wednesday morning might have had a tragic ending, but thanks to Upper Gwynedd Police’s Officer Brant Whisler, it turned into a quiet, hopeful moment.
Caught between two fences, the young deer found itself in distress until Whisler, who was recognized as the department’s Officer of the Year back in 2010, stepped in. He was able to free the animal and safely leave it nearby to await its mother’s return, police said.
This heartwarming story, coming as fawn season begins, highlights an important message from police.
If you come across a fawn lying quietly in your yard, police advise not to worry as it is likely not abandoned.
Mother deer often leave their fawns alone for several hours while they forage nearby, police said. This is perfectly natural behavior, and the fawn’s instinct is to stay still and scentless to avoid attracting predators, police posted via Facebook.
Wildlife guidelines recommend leaving it in place and minimizing human contact. The mother usually returns by dawn or dusk, and the fawn’s instinct is to stay hidden and still.
However, if the fawn is visibly injured, lying in a dangerous area like a road, or appears weak and distressed after more than 24 hours, then intervention is necessary, police said. In those cases, the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region can be contacted at 1-833-742-4868, or local authorities like Upper Gwynedd Police outside of business hours.
For residents with children or pets, especially dogs, it is crucial to keep them away from any fawn sightings to avoid stress or harm. Observing from a distance and giving wildlife the space they need is key to their survival and eventual reunion with their mothers, police recommended.
As the season unfolds and more fawns are likely to appear, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, informed, and respectful of these quiet moments in the natural cycle.
