Found a Deer?

The rehabilitation of deer in the State of Oregon is strictly prohibited by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Wildlife Images cannot accept orphaned and injured deer for rehabilitation.

Injured Deer

Injuries to deer—such as hurt legs—are very common, often caused by vehicle collisions or entanglement in fencing, garden netting, and other human-made structures.

If you come across a deer that appears to be suffering and unlikely to survive, contact the Oregon State Police (*677) or the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (541-826-8774), who can assess the situation and provide humane euthanasia if necessary.

If the injury is not life-threatening, it’s best to leave the animal alone. Deer are remarkably resilient and can often adapt and live well, even with the loss of a limb.

Orphaned Deer

It’s normal for mother deer to leave their fawns alone for extended periods (12-24 hours). Fawns are born with little to no scent, which helps keep them hidden from predators; this is why it is very important to never touch a fawn. If you come across a fawn and are concerned it may be orphaned, observe quietly from a distance.

If you suspect a fawn may be orphaned:

Do not move the fawn — leave it where it is and maintain distance.
Watch for these signs that may indicate the fawn truly needs help:
- Visible injuries
- Presence of maggots
- Diarrhea
- Lying flat on its side with legs extended
- Loud, frequent vocalizations over an extended period