Press Releases

May 17, 2006
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jeffrey Raddatz
Direct: (414) 431-6121
E-mail: jraddatz@wihumane.org

Watch Out for Deer!

MILWAUKEE, WI. – Right now it is peak time for deer to give birth to new fawns. This means two things:

1. People will start to encounter young deer fawns in parks, yards and even on the roads. The Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is receiving many calls from people who have found a fawn and think that it is orphaned. Usually the fawn is not orphaned! The mother deer “hides” her fawn, sometimes in a very unlikely place, like someone’s backyard; when the fawn is older and stronger, it will accompany its mother full-time.

2. Yearling deer, driven away by their mother as she prepares to give birth to a new fawn or fawns (two is usual), are often seen running amok in suburban and even urban areas. These yearlings are often very frightened and confused and are highly prone to injury or even death; especially on roadways.

Tips to avoid orphaning or injuring deer and staying safe on the roadway include:

• Slow down whenever you see deer near roadways – they are very unpredictable.

• Watch for more than one deer. A doe may be trailed by her fawn, or two yearlings may be traveling together.

• Avoid frightening deer. Yearlings in neighborhoods are often very frightened and unpredictable. Loud noises or chasing them may cause them to run into traffic or even jump through a window! Deer in neighborhoods will usually find their way out of difficulty if left undisturbed overnight.

• If you have questions about a fawn you believe is orphaned or other deer in Milwaukee County that seem to be in distress, call the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204.

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To schedule a time to talk with Scott Diehl, the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife manager, please call Jeffrey Raddatz at (414) 431-6121.