Steer clear of the baby deer
BY JAMES MONCUR j.moncur@dailyrecord.co.uk
BABY deer are being accidentally “orphaned” by members of the public out on walks.
The Scottish SPCA said ramblers are causing fawns huge stress and in some cases killing them by picking them up thinking they’ve been abandoned by their parents.
Launching its #WildlifeWise campaign, the animal charity is educating the public about what to do when they come into contact with young wildlife.
It is asking walkers to stay a safe distance from fawns and not to contact its helpline unless the young deer is showing signs of distress.
Mike Flynn, chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, explained that female deer will leave their young from an early age while they forage for food.
The doe will leave its fawn in long grass or under bushes to protect it from predators.
A mother will return to the fawn and feed it so if someone does return later and the fawn does not show any signs of needing help then it should be left alone.
Mike said: “Deer can find situations very stressful and by removing a fawn when there is no need to, it can cause great distress to mother and baby.
“We’ve had instances where people have phoned our animal helpline about a fawn and have chosen to ignore our advice and uplifted the animal anyway.
“One fawn was less than a day old and died shortly after arriving.
“Some people have taken the fawns in to their homes which is incredibly stressful on the animal. These are not domestic pets used to human interaction.
“These are wild animals and being petted and taken in to a home is not natural to them and they will be terrified.
“Sadly, this can cause so much stress that the animal can pass away.”
He added: “If you come across a fawn, please stay well back and do not alert it to your presence.
“Make sure dogs are kept on a lead. Monitor the fawn over several hours.
“A mother will return to feed its young and then go off again.
“If there are still no signs of the fawn needing help when you check back, please leave it alone.
“People should only intervene if the fawn is injured or the mother is deceased nearby.
“Please help us to keep wild families together and only phone when its needed.” ●To report an injured or distressed animal, contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca. org/wildlifewise