If you see a baby deer alone in your backyard your first instinct may be to go and see if it is injured and see if there is anything that you can do to help. While you may have good intentions, this is something you should definitely avoid.

Communications Advisor for the Government of Alberta Luis Carlos stated that the public needs to leave young animals that appear to be without their mothers alone and that wildlife mothers will often leave their young for periods of time to search for food. These young animals are not in danger. 

Fawns have spots for camouflage and emit virtually no odour so that predators are unable to detect them by sight or smell. This is because some wildlife species have evolved in a way that makes the babies able to survive without their mother for long periods of time. If a human touches a fawn it can become extremely stressful for the mother and her babies.

As for injured animals, they have better chances when Mother Nature heals their wounds. The best thing to do is to leave the animal alone and to heal in peace. Wildlife will already be stressed by the injury and when humans come by to step in, it will stress them more and they could end up hurting you or themselves further. 

Do not take the animal home to attempt to nurse it to health. In most cases, it is illegal to possess live wildlife. If you are concerned about a specific animal you think has been orphaned, monitor it from a distance for at least 24 hours. If you do not see the mother return, call the nearest Fish and Wildlife office. 

For more information on how to handle an orphaned or injured wild animal visit https://www.alberta.ca/orphaned-or-injured-wildlife.aspx 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@strathmorenow.com