Roe deer fawn running on grass in Normandy, France (© Gerard Lacz/Minden)
In Europe, the months of May and June herald the births of beautiful little fawns, preferably in thickets, away from prying eyes. Fawns, or baby deer, are highly vulnerable and rely entirely on their doe mothers for survival. They are often adorned with a spotted coat that helps them blend into their surroundings to evade predators. Over time, this coat fades away, and the young ones acquire a new coat more similar to that of adults.
The fawn season is a wonderful time to observe nature and appreciate the birth and growth of these magnificent animals. However, be cautious! If you encounter a fawn in the forest, do not touch it. They are born scentless to avoid detection in the wild, as their mothers have a highly developed sense of smell. If they detect a foreign scent, they will abandon their offspring. Instead, contact a veterinarian who can provide guidance on how to interact without harming the animal.