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You may observe female deer behaving different at the moment. Flora shares her knowledge about our wild Wilden residents.
A deer gently picks her way along a grassy meadow that is dotted with lovely mauve coloured Mariposa Lilies. Her ears are very long, she has a reddish brown coat and her tail is black tipped. Trailing behind this lithe doe are her two white spotted small fawns.
Fawns are born in Spring and stay with their moms all Summer before being weaned in the Fall.
Mule Deer are common to the Wilden area, and are called so due to their long mule like ears. Typically, we think of them as gentle and beautiful, and this is true as they are not aggressive and will run as opposed to fighting. However, the exception is when the doe is protecting her young. Thus, always stay away from a mother and her young. Interestingly, new born fawns spend approximately the first to weeks of life virtually alone. After giving birth the doe hides them in a bushy or grassy area only returning for feedings. This seems strange but is done for good reasons.
Fawns are born about the size of a cat and are vulnerable to predators. They have no scent, move very little, and their markings camouflage them into the surroundings, therefore, the safest strategy for the mother is not to draw attention to them. If you come across a fawn curled up and tucked away, that is normal. If a fawn appears injured or is laying on it’s side and/or bleating (crying) this would be grounds for concern. Yet, even then (unless you know the mother has died) do not touch a fawn as this act could lead to abandonment. If you do touch a fawn, take a towel and rub it in the grass and then use it to rub over the fawn to help get rid of any scent.
There is no denying that fawns are extremely adorable, with their big brown innocent eyes, long silky rabbit like ears, and cute white spots. Indeed it is human nature to want to cuddle something so darling, but deer are meant to be left in the wild. The best thing is to leave the area immediately as the mother will be close by, your presence causes great stress. When in doubt about the health and welfare of any wild animal call the SPCA Wildlife Hotline at 1 855 622 7722.
Maybe on your next hike you will see a Mule deer resting in the shade of a Pondarosa Pine. Share pictures with us on our Wilden Facebook Page 🙂
Article by Flora McLeod
