Dozens of Baby Deer Orphaned by Vehicle Crashes Are Being Raised for Return to the Wild

In a heartening initiative, a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Georgia is offering a new lease on life to over 40 orphaned fawns. These young deer, many of whom lost their mothers to tragic vehicle accidents, are being cared for by dedicated volunteers at Smithwick Station, a licensed facility based in Canton.

Each day, the staff at Smithwick Station prepares an astonishing number of over 120 bottles of formula to nourish the fawns, which require intensive care during their formative months. Sarah Paulk, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator at the centre, emphasised the overarching aim of their efforts: “The end goal here that we’re looking at from the beginning of the season is getting these guys back to the wild.”

The situation reflects a troubling trend within the state, as Georgia ranks as the 22nd highest in the United States for animal collisions. Residents face the daunting statistic of roughly a 1-in-109 chance of colliding with an animal while driving. Among these encounters, deer represent the most frequently involved creatures on the road, often suffering dire consequences.

The challenges extend well beyond the vehicle collisions themselves. When a nursing doe is struck and killed by a vehicle, her hidden fawns are frequently left to fend for themselves, significantly diminishing their chances of survival. Recognising the seriousness of this issue, volunteers at Smithwick Station provide ongoing care for these orphaned fawns while making concerted efforts to ensure they don’t become attached to humans.

Volunteer Kimberly Steinberg spoke on the delicate balance of rehabilitation, stating, “We have to respect that they’re not pets. They do belong in the wild.” To maintain the fawns’ natural instincts, volunteers must practise restraint, as deer habituated to human presence may face increased risks upon release. Wildlife experts cite that such behaviours can lead to a diminished fear of humans, subsequently making the deer more susceptible to dangers such as hunting or future vehicle collisions.

Steinberg’s commitment to the cause began when she discovered a distressed fawn near her farm. Witnessing the fawn’s frantic behaviour, she reached out to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Through their guidance, she learned the importance of patience when encountering a seemingly abandoned fawn. While mother deer typically leave their young alone for hours, long periods of crying, particularly in the heat, indicate an urgent need for assistance. After connecting with Smithwick Station, Steinberg decided to volunteer her time to help the growing herd.

Her dedication to the cause affirms a shared goal among the volunteers: to see these fawns thrive and be successfully released back into the wild. “And then I get to watch that sweet one grow up,” said Steinberg, reflecting on the joy she derives from her involvement.

Wildlife officials are keen to inform the public about the appropriate steps to take if they encounter a fawn alone. Rather than immediately assuming it is abandoned, the general advice is to leave the animal undisturbed and allow up to 48 hours for the mother to return. However, fawns that are injured, sick, or those found nearby a deceased doe should be reported to the appropriate state wildlife officials or brought to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

As the season progresses, the dedicated work at Smithwick Station continues, shining a light on both the fragility of wildlife and the vital role that community volunteers play in fostering a healthy ecosystem. This commitment to rehabilitation aims not only to save these animals but to prepare them for a safe return to their natural habitat, ensuring that they remain wild and unaccustomed to human interaction.