During this season of new growth, a fawn tottering along behind its mother isnB次元官网网址檛 an uncommon sight in Greater Victoria.
Neither is the tiniest of baby deer tucked away in quiet corners of yards and gardens.
B次元官网网址淭he mother only feeds them a couple times in a 24-hour period so she will park them in one spot and then come back to feed them,B次元官网网址� said Wallis Moore Reid, senior wildlife rehabilitator at the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC).
The Metchosin rehab had 16 fawns come into care in May, with four more in the first four days of June.
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Unfortunately a few were in critical condition B次元官网网址� newborns left alone too long or young ones hit by cars that couldnB次元官网网址檛 be helped B次元官网网址� but the majority are in care and thriving.
All 20 were in actual need of help and thatB次元官网网址檚 not always the case when a fawn comes in courtesy a well-meaning citizen.
For the first couple weeks of its life, the newest of deer are too weak to keep up. If itB次元官网网址檚 quiet and peaceful, the fawn is likely simply resting and awaiting its next meal.
Distress indicators include being in the same location longer than 24 hours and being mobile and crying. However, the latter could also be a response to a human approaching, so initial impressions are key.
Anyone not sure can call Wild ARC at 1-855-622-7722 or the provincial call centre at 1-855-622-7722.
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B次元官网网址淒onB次元官网网址檛 just pick up a fawn because itB次元官网网址檚 alone. ItB次元官网网址檚 normal for them to be alone,B次元官网网址� Moore Reid said.
Fawning season runs May through early July. It is important for pet owners to keep dogs on leash and for drivers to be wary when they see a deer, watching for followers.
Wild ARC welcomes donations for the extra mouths to feed and young to teach. The fawns in care could use some greenery, and an unusual training aid.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e always looking for more browse, and deer love any kind of deciduous branches besides maples,B次元官网网址� Moore Reid said. TheyB次元官网网址檙e open to picking up from residences in Metchosin, and grateful for anyone who might drop off usable greenery at 1020 Malloch Rd.
ThereB次元官网网址檚 also a bin there to collect other donations, with facecloths in demand during fawn season. TheyB次元官网网址檙e used to stimulate the fawns to urinate and defecate when theyB次元官网网址檙e really young.
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