Be wise around fawns

The Scottish SPCA wants members of the public to be #WildlifeWise around fawns.

This comes after a number came in to its care from wellmeaning members of the public.

Of the four fawns that were admitted to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre from May 18 to 23, three of those were taken from their natural environment.

In many cases, people mistake the animals as abandoned by their parents when, in fact, they have been left while mum forages for food or is looking for a new nesting site.

Sadly, one of the fawns has already had to be put to sleep on medical grounds as the young deer was showing signs of severe stress, also known as capture myopathy.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity’s # WildlifeWise campaign was put in place to stop wild animals becoming orphans unnecessarily. The aim is to educate the public on when they should contact them about young wildlife.

The charity is asking Express readers to be #WildlifeWise and stay a safe distance away from fawns and not to contact its helpline unless the young deer is showing signs of needing assistance.

A mother will return to the fawn, sometimes after several hours, 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.

Steve Gray, of the SSPCA, said: “We know that people have the best intentions, but removing wild animals from their natural habitat can do more harm than good.

“If you come across a fawn, please stay well back and do not alert it to your presence. Monitor the fawn over several hours.

“Please make sure dogs are kept on a lead around any wild animals.

“If in doubt of what to do when you come across a fawn, stay well back and call our helpline for advice.

“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.”

To report an injured or distressed animal, phone the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.