Watch out for wildlife on JB MDL Published May 24, 2012 By Dennis Blazak 87th Civil Engineer Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Fawns (baby deer) are born late May through the end of June, with the peak number born in early June. People often mistakenly assume that a fawn is orphaned if found alone. Rest assured that the mother deer, the doe, is probably nearby. The doe will only visit for a few minutes and nurse her fawn a few times a day to avoid attracting predators. Do not remove a healthy fawn from its location. It is not unusual to see fawns in open areas. They have been found on lawns and even next to buildings. These open areas discourage predators from approaching the fawn. For the first five days after birth, fawns will not run when approached. Instead, they will exhibit "freeze behavior." Therefore, do not assume a fawn is injured just because it does not move when approached. No action is needed if the baby does not appear injured or sick and is not in immediate danger, then. The mother will not return if people or pets are present. Mother deer are wary of human smells; do not touch fawns. This could cause the mother to reject it. This will help JB MDL act as a good steward to the natural resources entrusted to our base.