The first few weeks of June mark the peak of the deer fawning season, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources gives guidance on what to do when spotting a fawn.

The DNR states their field offices have received many calls over the last few weeks about reports such as finding an “abandoned” fawn in an unusual place, like a flowerbed or small patch of cover. DNR officials state that this is normal deer behavior, and the worst thing someone can do is “rescue” the fawn. The mom is likely nearby and watching you, and the DNR asks to leave the fawn be, or if you handled it, to return to where you found it and walk away. The fawning season also coincides with an increase in deer-vehicle collisions. Drivers are reminded to drive defensively, avoid distractions, slow down, and not to veer for deer.