With spring in the air, baby deer (or fawns) are making their first appearances around town.
Often spotted alone in backyards or nearby parks, these adorable creatures can give the impression of being orphaned or in distress.
While it’s tempting to pet or comfort them, it’s important to resist the urge, even if the fawn appears injured or in danger.
Why avoid the fawns?
Fawns typically nurse only two to three times a day during their first few weeks.
When not nursing, they rest in a secluded spot away from their mother and move around independently.
The doe is usually nearby, just a few hundred feet away, even if you can’t see her.
Fawns take several days to imprint on their mother, which means they could potentially imprint on other large moving objects, including humans.
Touching a fawn leaves human scent on it, making it easier for predators to detect. Fawns naturally have little to no scent, so human contact can put them at greater risk.
What to do if a fawn is injured/in danger
If you suspect that a fawn is orphaned, Animal Control Services recommends that you “observe from a distance for 12 to 18 hours” to see whether or not the mom returns. If she still hasn’t returned, call the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (WildARC) at 250-478-9453.
Other reasons to call WildARC for a baby deer include if:
- it seems frantic, is wandering and bleating consistently, or approaching people
- it is obviously injured
- it has been fed anything by anyone
- it is located in a dangerous or high-traffic area
It is also important to note that in many parts of Greater Victoria, it is illegal to leave food out for wild animals including deer, raccoons, rabbits, etc.
