First things first: please do not hesitate to call a competent authority in case of a supposed wildlife emergency before you take action and take an animal yourself.

Most of the time, the mother is foraging nearby and returns at regular intervals to nurse her offspring. It is also not unusual for young wild animals not to run away, but to remain calmly in place when approached by humans. A fawn that ducks down and remains motionless wants to protect itself from predators and is not necessarily sick or weakened. The mother comes to nurse every few hours and quickly moves away again so as not to draw attention of predators to the young animal.

Even if you find an obviously sick or injured wild animal, it is in your own interest to contact an expert, such as a wildlife centre in your area, to discuss how to proceed. Bear in mind that wild animals can bite hard, especially in stressful situations or when in pain! Also, you cannot estimate which diseases the animal might have.

In case you have already taken an animal home with you and want to take over the initial care yourself, please inform yourself in advance exactly about the care for the respective animal species and age. For example, we often receive young animals that have been fed cow's milk out of well-intentioned love for the animal - a fatal mistake that can quickly lead to the death of sensitive animals such as young fawns.