With fawn season approaching, MARS Wildlife Rescue is reminding people not to assume a lone fawn has been abandoned.

The organization says mother deer will often leave their young alone for several hours while they forage for food, and the fawns instinctively stay still and quiet to avoid predators.

MARS says people should never touch a fawn with their bare hands, as human scent can make it easier for predators to track the animal.

Residents who come across a fawn are encouraged to observe from a distance, keep children and pets away, and watch for signs the mother may be nearby.

The wildlife rescue group says people should also look for signs of injury or illness, including blood, broken bones, discharge from the eyes or nose, or signs the animal may be orphaned, such as soiled fur or fleas.