Editor:
Every year members of the public come across a fawn and think it is either orphaned or sick. When the doe has a fawn she will leave it alone for hours while she goes off to eat, often not returning until night to nurse it. The fawn is programmed to stay still and not move until the doe returns. By staying in the area, your presence may stop the mother deer from returning to her fawn. Leave the area and keep pets away.
Do not touch or move the fawn. If you have moved it, return it to its original location, unless the area is unsafe. If the fawn is close to a road, move it to the side. If it is in your backyard, leave it alone.
Do not attempt to capture and care for the fawn yourself. It is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit. If the fawn is obviously injured or you see a dead adult nearby, call Gibsons Wildlife Rehab Centre at 604-886-4989.
Irene Davy, Gibsons Wildlife Rehab Centre
