Oh deer! It’s fawning season

He noted that mother deer can leave their fawn for up to 24 hours to forage for food.

“Once the mom comes back, see if you can secure your yard so that they don’t end up staying there next time,” Hecker said.

He added if you spot a fawn when you’re out walking, the best thing to do is to leave them where they are, even if they look abandoned.

“They have a natural camouflage and they lack a scent, so by staying still and low to the ground, they stay hidden and that keeps them safe from predators,” he said.

“It’s a natural thing, if you just leave them there, they will be fine. Moving them can actually be bad because then the mother won’t be able to find them again when she comes back.”

However, if you do have a serious concern for the fawn’s wellbeing, Hacker said you can contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife services. A link to other wildlife resources in Alberta can be found here.

He said the start of fawn season also comes with an important message: keep dogs and other pets on leashes when out for walks.

“They [fawns] lack the speed to keep up with their parents, so they’re really not going to be able to defend themselves very well from a dog,” Hecker said.

He noted anyone with further questions or concerns can always contact the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

by Justin Goulet

Oh deer! It’s fawning season

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