Residents and visitors are being asked to stay well away from any newborn animals, and new deer in particular, that they may encounter in the region.
Willie Rasmussen, the problem wildlife technician at the Sundre Ranger Station, says there have been several recent instances of people approaching and touching young deer, with tragic consequences for the animals.
“The mother hides them because they are scentless for the first few days and so she hides them until they are strong enough to follow her,” he said.
“So if people go over there and touch them, then the mother won't want anything to do with it and she will abandon it.”
He said in one recent incident in the district, about 30 people approached and touched a young deer found alone.
“Stay away and leave them. The mother will come back and get it and move it,” he said.
- Dan Singleton/MVP Staff
