White-Tailed Deer

(Odocoileus virginianus)

This fawn was hiding in a field at the homestead.  It was so still and quiet that we were not exactly sure what the brown spot was until we were upon it.

White-tailed fawns are born with reddish-brown coats with white spots which provide camouflage.   Fawns lose their spots by the fall season.  Fawns bleat to call their mother.  The bond between a fawn and mother is very strong, and typically a mother doe will not abandon her fawn.  The doe will, however, leave the fawn alone for periods of time especially during the first three weeks of its life.  The doe will hide the fawn in secluded areas and return to nurse.   Touching a fawn will not cause the doe to reject the fawn (although it is not recommended).    The fawn has very little odor which helps in keeping the fawn hidden.  After about three weeks the fawn will be strong enough to keep up with the mother and will travel with her.  A fawn will remain with the mother for about a year, or longer if the fawn is a doe. 

More information: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Education/WildlifeNotesIndex/Pages/White-tailedDeer.aspx