If you see a baby deer in your yard, this is the one thing you shouldn’t do

ATLANTA — As we continue through spring and enter summer, this is the time where wildlife encounters increase in Georgia.

Wildlife officials want to remind people that you may encounter a young deer that appears to be orphaned, but that may not be the case.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says parents of fawns are often nearby searching for food and leaving the young behind.

If you encounter what you believe to be orphaned fawn, wildlife officials recommend that you not intervene, and leave the animal alone.

The one thing you shouldn’t do? “Rescue” the fawn.

Here’s what the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR recommends:

Wildlife does not belong in your home. “Rescuing” an animal can cause more harm than good for both the wildlife and the people.

A young animal that appears "orphaned" often is not. Many adult animals spend the day close to their young, but out of sight. Deer are a classic example.

Wildlife is wild. The best thing to do with a young animal, or any wildlife, is to leave it alone exactly as you found it.

In the case of seriously injured — or truly orphaned — wildlife, contact a local, licensed wildlife rehabilitator. See www.gadnrle.org for a list. (Select “Special Permits” from the right hand side of the home page and scroll down to “Wildlife Rehabilitation”). Do not attempt to care for wildlife yourself.

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