When a pregnant deer dies (such as from a vehicular collision), a phenomenon called "postmortem fetal extrusion" can sometimes occur. The muscles of the womb relax during death, occasionally forcing the fetus out. In rare instances, bystanders or wildlife officials have successfully rescued surviving fawns from the mother.If you have stumbled across an orphaned fawn or a dead deer:Contact Local Experts: In Rhode Island, it is illegal to keep wild deer as pets. Reach out to the Rhode Island DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife for immediate assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife.Leave Fawns Alone: If you find a live fawn lying quietly in tall grass, do not disturb it. The mother frequently leaves them alone for extended periods to forage and avoid attracting predators.Do Not Move Them: Unless the fawn is visibly injured or in immediate danger, taking it away from its environment drastically reduces its chances of survival.If you are currently dealing with a wildlife emergency, tell me:Is the fawn or deer alive?Where is the animal located? (e.g., backyard, side of the road)I can give you the exact steps and local contact numbers to handle this situation safely.5 sitesDEM Urges Rhode Islanders Not to Remove Fawns and ... - RI.govJun 2, 2021 — Then, DEM advises the public to immediately leave the area. Do not wait to see if the doe returns as she will avoid the area until...Rhode Island Government (.gov)