Don’t be a fawn-napper

During their first weeks, newborn fawns usually hide in grass or bushes while their mothers look for food nearby. This helps keep them safe from predators until they are strong enough to move around.

Andrea Wallace, who manages wild animal welfare at the BC SPCA, said people often think normal fawn behaviour means the animal is in trouble.

“It’s normal for a mother deer to leave her fawn alone for long periods,” Wallace said.

Wildlife experts say healthy fawns should stay with their mothers. If a fawn is taken away, it becomes hard and urgent to reunite them.

“It’s always best for fawns to stay with their mothers, and it’s actually quite hard to reunite them once they’ve been found,” Wallace said.

This problem isn’t just with deer. Wildlife rehab centers often receive healthy young birds and other animals that people mistakenly thought were orphaned.

Officials also remind people to keep their pets on a leash during fawning season. Mother deer can get aggressive to protect their young and might pretend to charge at people or dogs that get too close.

It’s also against the law in B.C. to take a wild fawn from its natural environment under the Wildlife Act.

Experts suggest people learn about local wildlife before stepping in. If an animal looks hurt, wanders without purpose, cries a lot, or stays in one place for a long time, it’s better to call wildlife professionals for advice instead of trying to rescue it yourself.

by Dave Branco

Don’t be a fawn-napper

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