A deer fawn seized from a Cumberland home earlier this month is currently in care at a Comox Valley facility and is set for release in the fall.
On Aug. 12, the BC Conservation Service in conjunction with the Comox Valley RCMP seized the fawn following a complaint, explained deputy chief Chris Doyle.
A Cumberland resident has been charged with unlawful possession of live wildlife and has been fined $345 under the Wildlife Act, he noted.
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Senior volunteer caregiver Jo Stiles from the Mountaire Avian Rescue Society - where the fawn is currently in care - explained it is out with the herd at the rescue facility and is doing well.
“There are no signs of injuries. We go out twice a day and give them bottles but we place them in a rack so that we’re not in close contact.”
Stiles added the fawn, along with others in their care, is set for a supportive release in October, meaning MARS works with private landowners to release the deer so that they can support them with feed throughout the winter. Normally, fawns would spend their first winter with their mothers, and the organization wants to ensure they have enough food for the season.
She also noted MARS does hear about fawns in captivity but reminds the public to leave them in nature, even if they are found alone.
“Fawns are known to be orphaned - please don’t kidnap them. Moms leave their own for big chunks of time during the day. Moms generally stay in the general area, and only when they’re older do they begin to follow them around.”
Stiles said there are some signs to take note if someone suspects a fawn may be in distress.
“If they are approaching people and crying - vocalizing a lot - or have their legs splayed out they may be stressed. If they are curled up in a ball but by themselves, they are usually happy and healthy and should be left alone. Absolutely do not try and keep them; even if they are little deer, they can be aggressive - they are wild animals.”
To report orphaned, ill or injured wildlife, call MARS at 250-337-2021 or visit marswildliferescue.com.