Deer in Iowa are on the move as fawning season has arrived according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Fawning season typically begins the last week of May and peaks in the first weeks of June.

Does will venture out of normal use areas to find secluded spots to deliver their fawns. They will then leave fawns alone, and return to nurse. Iowa DNR Forest Wildlife Research Biologist Jim Coffey explains spots where fawns are tucked away can be anywhere from a hayfield to a flowerbed. The best thing for people to do if they find a fawn is to leave it alone and walk away, as the mother will return and may be watching.

The DNR notes that an increase of deer vehicle collisions occurs during fawning season as deer movement happens at all times of day. Drivers are reminded to drive defensively, slow down, avoid distractions, and provide a safe distance between vehicles. If you see a deer on the road, do not veer.

Iowa DNR photo