Happening unseenMammals
Fawns out exploring with their mothers in July and August
When: July to August
Most Massachusetts fawns were born in May and June, and by now they are strong enough to run and have begun exploring alongside their mothers near yards and field edges.
Why this time of year
MassWildlife calls July and August the active phase: fawns are past their first 30 days of hiding, strong enough to flee predators, and out exploring with their mothers, so doe-and-fawn groups turn up near homes and neighborhoods in those months.
How to notice it
- Scan field edges and quiet yards at dawn or dusk for an adult doe with one to three smaller deer behind her.
- Look for the white spots on the smaller deer as the group moves.
- Stay put and watch from where you are; never approach, follow or feed deer, and keep dogs leashed when deer are around.
Try this with kids: When you spot a deer this month, can you quietly count how many smaller ones are traveling with her?
active phase: the stage after about 30 days of age when fawns can run and start exploring with their mothers
Safety
- Observe from a distance and never feed deer.
- Never approach, handle or attempt to rescue a fawn; it is illegal to possess one, and if a fawn is visibly injured call MassWildlife.
- Keep dogs leashed and close when deer are in the area.
Sources
- mass.govFawns mostly born May-June; bed and flush phases cover the first roughly 30 days; active phase is July-August, when fawns are strong enough to flee, are seen more frequently exploring, and begin spending more time with their mothers; leave-alone, never-feed, leash-dogs, and respectful-distance guidance; illegal to possess a fawn.