Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

At what age are white-tailed deer fawns fully weaned?

1. 1 month

2. 2 months

3. 4 months

4. 6 months

The correct answer is: 4 months

White-tailed deer fawns typically reach full weaning around the age of four months. During this period, they gradually transition from relying solely on their mother's milk to incorporating solid food into their diet, which includes browse and other vegetation found in their environment. By the time the fawns are four months old, they have developed the necessary digestive capabilities to process fibrous plant material, allowing them to sustain themselves independently from their mother's milk. This age is crucial for their development, as they begin to learn foraging behaviors and establish their place in their habitat while still being nurtured by their mother. Understanding the weaning process is important for wildlife rehabilitators as it helps in determining the appropriate age for intervention if a fawn is orphaned or in distress, ensuring that the fawn receives the right nutrition and care based on its developmental stage.