Leave Deer Fawn, Other Animal Babies Alone, Say Oregon and Coastal Experts

Published 06/26/25 at 5:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) - As spring shifts into summer, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is urging the public to be cautious around young wildlife - especially on the coast and in forested areas where baby seals, deer, and even bull elk may be encountered.

Deer fawn are one situation that's especially problematic at times.

“Oregon's deer and elk give birth from May through July each year,” said ODFW. “It's natural for mother animals to leave their young alone for extended periods of time while they go off to feed. If you come across a fawn or calf by itself, don’t assume it’s orphaned.”

Mama is likely still close and will return once people, pets or predators are gone.

Despite good intentions, ODFW continues to receive calls each season from people who have removed seemingly abandoned wildlife. The department’s firm advice: *“Put it back where you found it.”

In wooded areas like those near Silverton, Salem, The Dalles or just inland from Seaside, Port Orford or Newport, there's a good chance of spotting deer / ODFW photo.

Removing an animal from the wild not only reduces its survival chances, it’s also illegal. Oregon state law (ORS 497.308) prohibits removing or holding live wildlife outside their natural habitat without proper authorization.

Wildlife experts warn that picking up or disturbing young animals interrupts essential learning - skills such as finding food, avoiding predators, and navigating their environment, all of which are vital for survival. Fawns and calves are especially vulnerable in their early weeks, often lying still and camouflaged in underbrush. Their coat accomplishes that. They also have very little odor as another protection against attracting predators.

Deer on the Washington coast / photo Angi D Wildt Gallery

If you see a baby deer or elk, resist the instinct to help. Deer, particularly does, are highly invested in their offspring, preparing months for their role as mother. They will search extensively to locate their young after foraging.

Baby seals are still a possibility in all of the Oregon and Washington coast: from Westport and Long Beach down through Manzanita, Pacific City and Bandon. Photo Seaside Aquarium

ODFW also reminds the public to keep pets leashed around wildlife areas. Deer and elk view dogs as threats and have been known to aggressively defend their young. Roosevelt elk females, in particular, have caused injuries and even death to pets during the calving season in both Oregon and Washington.

Roosevelt elk are native to the region and the largest elk subspecies. They can weigh up to 1,100 pounds in the case of bulls. While cows are protective in spring and summer, bulls may become hostile during the fall rut and will not hesitate to charge if they feel threatened.

Elk at Cannon Beach / Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

The department encourages residents and visitors to enjoy Oregon’s wildlife from a safe distance and avoid actions that could put animals - or humans - at risk.

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