This photo was shared by WildSafe B.C. as a warning to the public not to pick up wildlife.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Peter Sulzle

With fawns being born in the City of Kelowna, the Conservation Officer Service is asking residents to leave them alone.

They’re cute, defenceless and may look lonely, but baby deer and other wild animals should not be touched or moved.

"Every year, well-intentioned people try to 'rescue' fawns and other young ungulates mistakenly thought to be orphaned, but these interventions do more harm than good," according to the service in a news release.

READ MORE: Employee surprised to find bear instead of customer in Revelstoke pet store

Mother deer, elk and other species may leave their young alone for long periods to avoid attracting predators, and may only return a few times a day to nurse.

"Fawns are small as a cat when born, and their camouflage and lack of scent hide them from potential predators," according to the release, and removing them from rest spots can mean they can become orphans.

If you see a fawn that you think may be orphaned:

• Leave it alone - If the fawn is lying quietly and appears uninjured it is normal for a mother deer to leave her baby alone for long periods of time.
• Remember that the mother deer will be wary of you and is likely watching you, so your presence in the area could discourage her from returning.
• Leave the area and keep pets away from the site. 
• If you think the fawn is not being cared for by its mother, return the next day to check on it.  If it is in the exact same spot and bleating, it may be orphaned.

READ MORE: Thompson Okanagan photographers capture stunning wildlife images

If you are concerned that a fawn is injured or orphaned like there is evidence that the parent is dead, contact the Conservation Officer Service through the (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020