Soulshine Wildlife Center

06/10/2026

10:18 AM, Finder:
"Hello I have a fawn that's ears are starting to curl, and they also had a little bit of flystrike I cleaned off... they were just hatched maggots. I called somebody else and they said that could happen and I checked and sure enough, they just hatched! I brushed them off, but there were a couple that I think were near the re**um. So he does need some medical care for sure... his mom could be nearby because someone saw a deer nearby that seems like she was looking, but I know that this little guy is surely going to die in the wild. Thank you, bye."

Was the rough translation of the voicemail.

Amber/ Soulshine:
Hello, this is Amber with Soulshine Wildlife Center. What is the address for where the fawn was found? I want to make sure I'm not talking to anyone else about the same fawn.
Where is the fawn now? Thank you for brushing the flystrike and maggots off! Unfortunately, sometimes even animals who are not orphaned can have maggots take over before mama gets back.
Please do not offer the fawn anything to eat. This will only cause diarrhea, which makes everything worse.

10:32 AM, Finder:
Ok sure thing, I just found more maggots on his tail. I'm in Wyoming Mi, and I'm at Grace Christian University.


Amber/Soulshine:
Are you able to send me photos? I know it's gross, but I'm curious to see how bad this fawn is and if it's possible to just clean him up and then wait for mama to return. Sometimes that works out well, but other times, the fawn is too severe and needs to be pulled from the wild.
I am a one-woman team and working my "real" job right now too, so there may be some delays in my communication.

In the meantime, please see what you can do to remove as many eggs and maggots as possible. Getting the fly eggs wet will expedite hatching, so keep that in mind. Sometimes a flea comb or toothbrush help remove them faster.
I'd also be curious to know if the maggots are still surface level or if they've already started creating holes in healthy tissue or have moved into the re**um.

10:42 AM, Finder:
[Sent Photos]
I put him in a box for a while
There were a few eggs near the re**um earlier, and I got them away. I found some more that I missed on his stomach near his ge****ls.
But most of the flystrike was on his leg and belly, freshly hatched. The skin is raw but not punctured.
Been using paper towel, a comb and tweezers

Amber/Soulshine:
Thank you so much! I wish more people were willing to step up like this. Maggots are something that can become incredibly severe rather quickly.
I'm going to attach a link that has some additional signs of things to keep an eye on:
[Link in Comments]
[Note- Curled ears are not a reliable sign in determining if a fawn need help. That is an outdated myth.]

The photos are a little too grainy for me to have a clear view, but currently it sounds like things may have been caught in time. Especially if we can keep this fawn in the wild.
The flies will target the bum area and the hocks as well, but as you can tell, sometimes other areas will be hit. Once the eggs and maggots are removed, if you have access to warm water and dawn dish soap, that'll at least remove any leftover smell and crusty f***l matter.
Please keep the fawn in the area, but out of the sun. This can be a pretty traumatic experience for them, but once complete, let's give time and space, especially if someone believes they saw the mama. If flies continue to target, the fawn may need to be pulled anyway, but for now, at least we're giving him a fighting chance.
How's the fawn's demeanor been? You're welcome to offer a shallow dish of water or diluted unflavored pedialyte (which will help with mild dehydration and balancing electrolytes), but nothing else should be offered or forced.
Keeping people and pets out of the area is essential as well. Even if it means putting the box near the fawn and using it as a sign to tell people a rehabilitator is aware of the situation and we're giving time and space for now. The fawn should not be in the box once he's been cleaned up.

11:20 AM, Finder:
Ok, sounds good. He's decided to bunker down in a kind of busy spot (the girl's dorm door) so I'm guessing I should move him to some bushes?

Amber/Soulshine:
Yeah, if the bushes are nearby, that'd at least reduce the chances of someone taking him.

11:32 AM, Finder:
Someone saw the deer again, with another fawn. I just put him near where she keeps being sighted. Should I still try to get him some water, or leave him be?

Amber/Soulshine:
Let's leave him be for now. I'm hoping he's a twin and mama will gather him up.

11:47 AM, Finder:
Yeah. I saw that doe looking at me again and I tried to point to the direction I put him. She didn't take him yet. A few flies were on him, so I shood them away, but I'll leave him be now.

12:16 PM, Finder:
The baby was reunited!!! Went back out to pick up the tweezers and comb I left and saw him nursing :)

Amber/Soulshine:
Yay!! I love this so much! Do you mind if I share this as an educational post? I honestly think too many people pull animals out of the wild too quickly, when sometimes they really only need a little bit of assistance. This is also proof that the mom's desire for her baby supersedes her dislike of human scent!
If the fawn is seen again and appears in worse condition, please reach out, but for now, my hope is that mama keeps her fawn clean and no additional human intervention is needed!
Unfortunately with the heat wave and humidity, I think flystrike is about to become a serious problem for baby animals, but if we can keep them in nature with mom, that is the best option!
I can't be everywhere I'm needed, so I appreciate your help with this fawn more than you know. You should be proud of yourself, you did a great job. ❤️

12:55 PM, Finder:
Absolutely!! Sounds good, hopefully no more help will be needed! And thank you! I feel very blessed and thankful to have been able to help him. :) ❤️ And I definitely agree! I honestly wouldn't have noticed he was sick and needed a bit of help if I hadn't wanted to take some close pictures of him and if I hadn't snuck some pets after realizing she wouldn't abandon him for it. I probably won't and shouldn't pet anymore fawns in my lifetime, but there definitely should be a balance between leaving nature completely alone, not jumping to conclusions, and taking a long enough and close enough admiring look to know if something actually is wrong, especially with the ability to research instantly available at our fingertips. Sorry that the pictures aren't the highest quality!

Amber/Soulshine:
100% agree! Thank you!
And no worries about the photos, they sufficed 🙂

1:03 PM, Finder:
Of course! Thank you for the advice, too! :)

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This weather is a recipe for disaster in wildlife rehab.

The calls about flystrike on animals have been heartbreaking, and the reality is that not all of those animals are orphans. Sometimes their mom simply didn't get back in time to clean them before flies targeted the baby.

Wildlife rehabilitators may not always see eye to eye on this, but at Soulshine, we do everything we can to keep babies in nature with their mamas whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Even if that means temporary intervention.
When possible, we'll treat in the field with an antiparasitic or provide guidance to the finder while monitoring the situation. Pulling an animal completely out of the wild is not always necessary.

As the only licensed wildlife rehabilitator at Soulshine and the only one in the area for fawns, I can't be everywhere I'm needed. Sometimes that means asking finders to dig deep and help if they're willing and able.

That said, all animals found with flystrike should be assessed by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervention whenever possible, especially if:
• The mother's status is unknown
• The animal is hypothermic
• Maggots have already invaded healthy tissue or body openings
• The animal appears weak, dehydrated, or otherwise compromised

Flies are natural. They target wildlife, livestock, pets, and even humans. Warm temperatures and high humidity accelerate the hatching process, and maggots can appear in as little as 8 hours. Time is always of the essence.

We're incredibly grateful for the people who are willing to step up and help when needed. Due to this finder's efforts, a fawn that easily could have been removed from the wild was instead reunited with his mama and observed nursing.

Sometimes the best wildlife rescue is helping a family stay together.

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If you've benefited from the guidance of a wildlife rehabilitator, whether through reuniting advice, entrusting an animal to their care, or learning from the educational content they share, please consider supporting their work with a donation. Even a few dollars can make a difference.

Wildlife rehabilitators do not receive government funding. The countless hours, specialized knowledge, supplies, and resources required for this work are often provided on a volunteer basis and can only be sustained through community support.

Soulshine Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that operates entirely on donations. We are also the only facility licensed for fawn rehabilitation in our county. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support.
Mailing Address: PO Box 354, Sparta, MI 49345
Venmo:

On a side note, I've continued to be asked what my "real" job is. I'm actually a mortgage loan originator! Wildlife rehabilitation is my passion, but mortgages help pay my personal bills and also help cover Soulshine's expenses when donations alone aren't enough.

So, if you or someone you know is looking to buy or refinance a home anywhere in Michigan, I'd love to help. My work contact information is posted in the comments.

Amber with Soulshine

06/10/2026

This video was taken after nearly three hours of triage on the fawn intake last night. The initial post will be linked in the comments.

The bottle was a no-go and, to prevent the risk of aspiration, a shallow dish was chosen instead. Typically, we'll offer a few different types of bowls to see which one they prefer (after all, unfamiliar objects can be scary). She opted for the metal dish and is doing a decent job lapping an electrolyte mixture, but she'll continue receiving subcutaneous fluids as well.

What we didn't know when she arrived was that the maggot infestation was only part of the problem. In addition to severe flystrike, she was also loaded with fleas and ticks.

Hours of care have already gone into stabilizing her, and she still has a long road ahead. The degree of dehydration, malnourishment, and severe diarrhea are also of grave concern, but we're doing everything we can to keep her comfortable and give her the best chance possible.

For now, we're encouraged to see her drinking and showing interest in hydration. Every small victory matters.

Thank you to everyone who has been following her story and cheering her on. ❤️

06/09/2026

"We named the fawn Spots" was the first thing the two little kids told me as their mom was filling out the intake form and their older sister was handing the fawn over.

"You're going to make sure she survives, right?" was the follow-up question, borderline mandated task.

I looked at the little boy, knowing his question was coming from a place of concern.
I responded, "I'm going to help in every way that I can."

I was then reminded once again that the fawn was named Spots.

I looked at the fawn, now safely in the crate, and saw some very concerning signs. The area behind the eyes was incredibly sunken, meaning the fat pad was beyond depleted. I saw ticks around her eyes. Her hip bones were protruding at a level I've not personally witnessed. She didn't lift her head, and she didn't make a sound. Curled up and quiet is what they're supposed to be... but there is a difference between that and lethargic.

Apparently, she had been heard crying in the woods over the last two days, and upon being found, she was tangled in some vines. The family went out and bought the supplies they thought she'd need since she was clearly starving. I ruined their experience by asking them not to feed the fawn. I think that sometimes really bothers people, and I don't know if it comes from a place of doubting my expertise or if it is more selfish than that... how dare I take away the opportunity for them to take pictures feeding a baby wild animal to share with all of their friends on social media?! Maybe that's too cynical, but it also comes from a place of experience.

Fortunately, this family listened to my request, and they didn't fight me on it. Their decision to follow directions is what likely saved this fawn's life. She was hypothermic at intake... and hypoglycemia was apparent as well, considering she had a seizure in the crate when we first got back to the rehab cabin, and then she had another one on the scale. Had she been fed without being properly hydrated with an IV or subcutaneous fluids first, the milk would have spoiled in her gut, causing far more harm than good.

I found myself thinking of the little boy's parting words as he and his sisters and mom watched me leave with the fawn... "Make sure she doesn't die," followed by the little sister saying, "And don't forget we named her Spots."

I was sitting on the cabin floor trying to triage a fawn in seizure and found myself thinking, "C'mon Spots, don't die on me."

If I'm being real, the level of delusional hope I had was nearly nonexistent. This fawn season has been absolutely brutal. The calls started three weeks earlier than usual, and although 95% of them involved me taking an outrageous amount of time coaching people on what to do, which sometimes does feel like a level of hostage negotiation when they've already brought the animals inside, the few fawns that have needed to come in were all critical.

Two passed within the first night... and the follow-up to their rescuers is always depressing. Fortunately, both of those women were incredibly kind and also realistic. It's hard when people think you're a miracle worker... but as for the kids who fell in love with "Spots," I recognize the innocence in their desire for me to perform miracles. I was that kid, so I get it.

I stayed up until 4:40 AM, and to my surprise, the little doe was still holding on the next morning... which was 3.5 hours later. From intake until now, I've removed over 20 ticks from this fawn. I told the rescuer to make sure she did a tick check on her kids. Although they didn't feed the fawn, I know better than to assume they all didn't get a chance to pet, hold, or interact in some capacity... and they'll remember that for the rest of their lives.

It's quite often that I hear unsolicited stories from people about a wild animal they "helped" (which sometimes means "illegally kept"), from decades prior. Every time, there's a flicker of joy in their eyes as they tell me their stories. As someone who named their organization after being inspired by a sign that said, "Do what makes your soul shine," I have to appreciate seeing a spark of that in others.

As of today, "Spots" is doing much better. She's found her voice and is even up walking! My hope is that she only continues to thrive.

[Story from Amber with Soulshine]
Please follow along there if you enjoy this kind of content. 😊

06/09/2026

⚠️ Graphic Video ⚠️

This is flystrike.

If you ever see clusters of what look like tiny grains of rice on an animal, please remove them immediately. A flea comb, toothbrush, tweezers, or even your fingers can work. Do not get them wet, as moisture can accelerate hatching.

What you're seeing in this video is a fawn who was targeted by flies. The wounds present were caused by maggots.

Whenever we share a maggot infestation, we inevitably see comments saying, "Maggots are good, they eat the dead tissue." That is true of medical-grade maggots used in carefully controlled medical settings. Those maggots are counted in, counted out, applied only to dead tissue, and used under sterile conditions as part of maggot debridement therapy. What we encounter in wildlife rehabilitation is something entirely different.

What typically happens is that f***s has accumulated around the rear, attracting flies that lay eggs. Once those eggs hatch, the maggots don't simply remain on the surface. They burrow into living tissue, destroying both healthy and unhealthy areas. It's a slow, painful process that can become fatal without intervention.

Some infestations are so severe that the only humane option is euthanasia. Others can be treated successfully with extensive cleaning, wound care, and supportive treatment. This fawn had several areas where maggots had begun invading tissue, but our larger concern is her critical dehydration, diarrhea, and overall weakness.

This intake video was taken while she was receiving subcutaneous fluids from an LRS bag. Every patient receives a quick intake photo or video for our records. These records allow us to compare cases, track progress, evaluate treatments, and continue learning from every animal that comes through our doors.

Since this video was taken, she has been cleaned up, treated with fluids, antibiotics, vitamins, pain management, and antiparasitic treatment, and made as comfortable as possible. She is resting on a heating pad, bundled in blankets. She remains critical, but she is no longer suffering in the wild. Sometimes, that's the win.

Earlier today, we posted asking for transport assistance for this fawn, and we were overwhelmed by the number of people willing to help! A special thank you to Gabes, who not only picked her up but also immediately began removing fly eggs before additional maggots could hatch. We are incredibly grateful for supporters who are willing to accept guidance and go above and beyond when an animal needs urgent help.

This was actually our second flystrike call of the day, though thankfully the other fawn has a much happier story that we'll be sharing soon.

Please also notice how sunken the area behind this fawn's eye appears. That is a depleted fat pad, which is a significant indicator that she needs help. Also note that her ears are not curled. The common internet advice that "curled ears mean dehydration" is an outdated myth. Ear shape is not a reliable way to determine whether a fawn needs intervention.

This work isn't glamorous. It's dirty, difficult, heartbreaking, and absolutely exhausting... but it's only possible because of you. Whether you donate, share our posts, transport animals, or simply offer encouragement, you are part of every life we try to help.

Thank you.

Soulshine Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that operates entirely on donations. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support! Venmo

06/08/2026

Update: Transport secured almost immediately! We have some amazing supporters 😊
🚨 TRANSPORT NEEDED 🚨

We have a fawn suffering from flystrike that needs help. The fawn is approachable but is not currently contained. The finders are keeping an eye on the fawn but are unable to transport.

Unfortunately, we are not available right now and need assistance from the public. Do we have any supporters near 10 Mile and Northland Drive who can safely secure the fawn in a crate and arrange to meet us later?

We're looking for someone nearby since the fawn is not contained, and we'd like to get him or her out of the elements before the rain arrives. Experience removing fly eggs would be a bonus!

This is an uncommon request, but one with a sense of urgency.

If you are able to help, please text 616.951.5277 for the address and additional details.

06/08/2026

None of the fawns in this photo collage are injured.

We've all heard of "fight or flight," but there's another common response that often gets overlooked: freeze.

As prey animals, fawns frequently respond to fear by dropping to the ground, remaining completely still, or even freezing mid-step. To people passing by, this can sometimes look like an injury. More often than not, it isn't.

This is why time and space are so important. We often need to be out of the area, or at least out of sight, to get an accurate picture of what an animal is actually doing. Trail cameras and security cameras can be incredibly helpful in situations like this.

We've even seen this in a rehab setting. An animal may walk, eat, and behave completely normally when they don't know they're being watched on camera, yet barely blink or move when a rehabilitator is nearby.

If you're concerned about a wild animal, always reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing them from the wild. Every situation is different, and wildlife rehab is full of gray areas. Time and space are often the first step in determining whether an animal truly needs help.

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If you utilize the services of a wildlife rehabilitator, whether through guidance on reuniting strategies, entrusting them with the care of an animal in need, or learning from their educational content, please consider supporting their work with a donation. Even a few dollars can make a difference.

Wildlife rehabilitators do not receive government funding. The countless hours, specialized knowledge, supplies, and resources required for this work are often provided on a volunteer basis and can only be sustained through community support.

-------
Soulshine Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that runs entirely on donations. We are also the only facility licensed for fawn rehabilitation in our county. Without your generosity, the work we do would not be possible. Thank you for your support!

Mailing Address: PO Box 354, Sparta, MI 49345
Venmo

06/08/2026

We've received multiple reports of a fawn attempting to nurse from a deceased doe along the East Beltline.

This is an incredibly sad situation, but it is also a very dangerous location. We are sharing this for awareness, not to encourage anyone to attempt a rescue.

The first takeaway from this post is simple: please do not put yourself at risk by abruptly pulling over on a busy roadway or entering traffic to pursue an animal. If a frightened fawn runs, an attempted rescue could quickly become a traffic hazard and place both people and wildlife in greater danger.

We know that local police, the sheriff's department, and the DNR have all been contacted regarding this situation. While rescuing wildlife is not their responsibility, agencies will sometimes assist with traffic control when public safety is a concern. Unfortunately, being a weekend, resources appear to have been limited, and the calls have ultimately been referred to Soulshine.

That brings us to the second takeaway from this post.

Wildlife rehabilitators are overwhelmed during baby season. Most of us are nonprofit organizations operating with limited resources while managing a constant influx of calls, messages, and animals in need. Many rehabilitators volunteer their time and work full-time jobs in addition to providing wildlife care around the clock. The demand for services far exceeds the funding and manpower available.

We understand there can be a sense of relief in making a phone call and knowing you've done what you can. However, it is important to recognize that rehabilitators cannot respond to every situation in person, and especially not immediately. There are simply not enough resources or hours in the day to make that possible.

In a situation like this, where traffic hazards are a major concern, any rescue attempt would ideally involve appropriate traffic control and individuals experienced with handling wildlife. Someone who has never handled a frightened fawn should not attempt to approach one in this setting. The potential for the situation to go from bad to worse is very real.

Our hearts are with this little one, and we appreciate everyone who has shown concern and compassion. Every person who has contacted us has witnessed the fawn attempting to nurse, yet none have stopped because they didn't feel there was a safe place to pull over and assess the situation.

We have had someone volunteer to check the area twice after reports came in, but by the time they arrived, the fawn was nowhere to be found. This highlights another challenge: the fawn is mobile, appears fearful of people, and may leave the area before help can arrive.

If you ever encounter a similar situation and there is a safe place to pull over, call the appropriate authorities or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, remain in your vehicle, and keep eyes on the animal. When it is safe to do so, maintaining visual contact and providing real-time updates is often far more valuable than a well-intentioned rescue attempt or a report made while passing through the area.

Even with proper precautions, there is no guarantee of a successful outcome. As difficult as it is to witness, your own safety must remain the priority. Please do not place yourself, other motorists, or the animal at greater risk by attempting a roadside rescue in an unsafe location without appropriate traffic control and experience handling the species involved.

This applies to all wildlife situations.

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As a general reminder, most baby wildlife are not orphaned and do not need to be rescued. However, if you find yourself in possession of a wild animal who is a confirmed orphan and in need of help, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. In the meantime, keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet location away from people and pets.

Do not offer food. A shallow dish of water may be provided, but nothing should be forced due to the risk of aspiration.

Thank you for caring!

__________

*The map is simply included as a visual reference. It is zoomed out and covers many miles, so it does not reflect the fawn's exact location.*

06/06/2026

Ever hear a fox bark? Here you go!

06/05/2026

🚨 PLEASE STOP "RESCUING" FAWNS 🚨

Every baby season, kind and caring people come across a lone fawn and assume they've been abandoned. The urge to help is completely understandable, and we know your heart is in the right place.

The truth is...
That fawn is almost certainly exactly where they are supposed to be. Even if it doesn't make sense to us.

Mama deer intentionally leave their babies for long periods while they feed and rest nearby, but "nearby" can mean hundreds of yards away and completely out of sight. A fawn's job is to stay still, stay quiet, and wait. Mom's job is to stay away until it's safe to return.

This is normal.
This is natural.
This is how fawns survive.

Unfortunately, we are inundated with calls about unnecessary "rescues" every single day.
Healthy fawns are removed from the wild by well-meaning people who mistakenly believe they have been abandoned. By the time they arrive to a rehabilitator, they may be dehydrated, stressed, malnourished, injured from improper handling, or suffering from aspiration or bloat after being fed inappropriate foods. Some do not survive, but they all lost the opportunity to be raised by the one individual best equipped to care for them: their mom.

The heartbreaking reality is that many of these fawns were never orphaned to begin with.

If a fawn is curled up quietly, appears alert, and has no obvious injuries, please leave them alone.

❌ Do not touch them.
❌ Do not feed them.
❌ Do not move them (unless they are in immediate danger, such as in a road, and even then, only move them a short distance to safety).
❌ Do not pose for photos with them.
❌ Do not take them home "just in case."

A fawn by themselves is often exactly where they are supposed to be.
A quiet fawn is often doing exactly what they are supposed to do.
A hidden fawn is often exactly where their mother expects them to be.

A fawn who is continuously crying, wandering for hours, covered in flies or flystrike, visibly injured, weak, unable to stand, or showing other signs of illness or distress may need help. And no, "curled ears" are not a reliable indicator of dehydration. That's a myth that has gone viral.

If any of these situations are occurring, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before taking action. Send them photos and as many details as possible. In some cases, reuniting the fawn with their mom may still be possible and should be discussed before removing them from the wild.

Please help us spread the word. Share this post. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors.

Every fawn who stays with their mom in nature has the best possible chance of survival. ❤️🦌

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Most wildlife rehabilitators are volunteers who receive no government funding. If a rehabilitator helps you through reuniting guidance, animal care, or educational resources, please consider supporting their work with a donation.

06/04/2026