Caution: baby critters crossing

Posted 8/21/12

This is the time of year when new born-fawns make their appearance; once they get strength in their legs, they are frequently seen along country roads with their mothers. This is where they have a …

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Caution: baby critters crossing

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This is the time of year when new born-fawns make their appearance; once they get strength in their legs, they are frequently seen along country roads with their mothers. This is where they have a tendency to get in trouble. The white spots on these young fawns should serve as a warning to motorists that these newly arrived critters have no concept of moving vehicles.

When fawns are near a road, they may dart out directly in front of moving vehicles with very little warning. Another fawn trick is to cross the road in front an approaching vehicle; just when the driver thinks that the fawn has crossed the road and the danger has passed, and just before the car reaches the fawn’s location, the fawn may reverse course and go back across the roadway, perhaps because its mother still hasn’t crossed. Driving a little slower and using caution when deer are sighted may help these fawns to live another day.

Sometimes, a fawn may be spotted lying down close to a road, seemingly helpless, and the temptation is to take it home or take it somewhere, as its mother is nowhere to be seen. It is important not to approach the fawn; instead, take a quick look to see that the fawn is not obviously injured, and then just leave it be. When fawns are first born, the mother may wander off for a while and not be seen. A doe does this to avoid unwanted attention to its new, helpless fawn. Fawns seen in this situation are not abandoned, and the female adults will come back. When the fawn gets enough strength in its legs to walk, it and its mother will walk off. Give the fawn some space, and its mom will show up soon enough.

If you see a fawn or any other animal that is obviously injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the knowledge to care for an injured or distressed animal. More information about young wildlife can be found on the NYSDEC web page: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6956.html.

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