They’re Born to be Wild.

Fawn outside B1208. Remember to never approach wildlife, and advise others to do the same.

We’re lucky to work in a place with lots of green space and room to stretch our legs. The squirrels, deer, rabbits, turkeys, songbirds, and a long list of other wildlife would also agree! However, spring means  you’re more likely to encounter baby animals this time of year.

Many species leave their young hidden, especially in the newborn stages, intentionally. Mothers leave their babies in areas that they feel are camouflaged and safe.  For example, white-tailed deer spend a small portion of the pre-dawn hours looking for a quiet, secluded spot to place their fawn(s) that are three weeks of age or under, as they will not be able to keep up with the doe’s pace. Recently, a doe left three fawns outside of B1208. While you may not think that location is an ideal spot (and it isn’t); it may have looked like an ideal spot to the doe at 4am.

When people stumble upon these animals, they often believe they were abandoned or should help, but that is not the appropriate action. The best thing that you can do is to avoid your urge to take adorable photos on your camera phone, and back away so that the baby does not feel threatened. The mother is usually nearby, aware, and attentive, and will return to her baby sometime later. Advise others nearby or in your building to also leave the wildlife alone.

If you come across a baby animal that appears weak, thin, or injured, and its mother does not return in approximately eight hours, please call the Environmental Office at 4-7517. Never try to handle or feed the animal.

If you should encounter an aggressive animal or hear/see anything of concern, immediately call the Protective Services Communications Center at 757-864-5500. You can also dial 911 from any center telephone or 757-864-2222 from a cellular telephone.