We were going up-North. We were going to the woods. The trilliums turned to ferns as we drove through the Bowler woods. I realized that we were almost there. The easement over the land was covered with blackberry stems and small poplars. As we made our way to the cabin, we saw the flag of a deer just ahead of us. As we turned another corner, we saw something huddled in the road ahead of us. As I ventured out of the car, I saw that it was a fawn – right there in the road! She jumped up and pranced away, wobbly and unkempt, but determined.
What to do if you find a newborn deer
Fawns are born April through July, with the majority of fawns born in June. If you find a white-tailed deer fawn lying alone, unless the fawn is sick or injured, leave it alone. Leave the area and do not go near the spot again. The mother will not return if people or dogs are present. Do not touch the fawn or bring children, dogs, or friends to look at it.
Mother deer spend most of the day away from their fawns while they forage for food. Fawns lie still in brush or grass, keeping quiet until their mothers return.
Although fawns are able to walk immediately after birth, they need a few more weeks to grow and gain the strength and speed necessary to keep up with their mothers and to escape from danger. Their spotted coats and soft scent are their best defenses in the first few weeks of life. (WDNR)
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