With spring in the air, baby deer, also known as fawns, are making their first appearances around Greater Vicroria.
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 you should avoid the fawns
According to BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (WildARC), 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 appears to be 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.
See also: ICBC urges drivers to be more cautious of wildlife this spring and summer
On Wednesday, ICBC issued a warning to motorists to keep a keen eye out for increased wildlife on roads.
ICBC says that every year, thousands of animals are struck on BC roads, which leads to vehicles being damaged, occupants being seriously injured and in some cases, fatalities.
Data shows that between 2015 and 2024, more than 112,000 crashes involving wildlife were reported throughout the province. This figure includes 24 fatal incidents.
Furthermore, since 2020, wildlife collision frequency has increased every year, peaking in 2024 at 12,519 crashes.
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