CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) With deer fawning season underway in New Hampshire, wildlife officials are asking residents not to interfere with young animals they may find alone in the woods or near their homes. Despite how it may look, these fawns are usually not abandoned—and human intervention often does more harm than good.

Each spring, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department fields numerous reports from people who come across solitary fawns and assume something is wrong. But officials say this behavior is perfectly normal.

Mother deer deliberately leave their young hidden and alone for extended periods during the first few weeks of life. Because adult deer are more likely to attract predators due to their scent and movement, keeping some distance helps reduce the risk to the fawn. The mother typically returns briefly a few times a day to nurse before leaving again.

According to the agency, picking up a fawn or attempting to care for it can jeopardize the animal’s survival. People who try to help often end up removing the fawn from the very environment where it has the best chance of living—under the care of its mother.

Wildlife officials stress that the safest and most responsible course of action is to leave the animal alone. If there is concern that a fawn or another young wild animal may be injured or orphaned, the public is encouraged to contact Fish and Game for guidance rather than taking matters into their own hands. Staff are trained to evaluate the situation and can determine if intervention is necessary.

In addition, the department reminds the public that only licensed wildlife rehabilitators—individuals certified through the state—are authorized to care for wild animals. Attempting to raise or treat wildlife without the proper training and permits often leads to health issues or death for the animal. For example, young deer fed incorrect formulas can develop serious digestive problems.

A full list of licensed rehabilitators is available on the department’s website: www.wildlife.nh.gov.