Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds people to be wary of does at this time of year because mother deer are giving birth to fawns.
Mother deer are extremely protective when their fawns are vulnerable to predators or other perceived threats. If a fawn is seen, the mother is sure to be close by. Do not approach a fawn and never pick one up.
Does often stash their youngsters while they’re off feeding, but they do not abandon fawns. If one is seen lying in the grass off a trail, it is doing just fine. Do not pick it up.
A mother deer is wary of people who get close to her young and can attack. A deer’s perception of a threat goes even higher when it sees a dog. Every year, there are close calls or attacks when people are out walking dogs and wildlife have young nearby.
If you are concerned about a wild animal, do not touch it or pick it up. Instead, call the closest CPW office or local animal protection services.
