Residents Warned Not to Bother Lone Fawns
Los Angeles Animal Services and the state Department of Fish and Game are warning city residents not to disturb what may appear to be abandoned fawns.
Female deer often give birth to fawns in early spring and leave them for brief periods of time, animal control officials said.
The female deer generally leave fawns in places where they are safe while the adult deer go off to feed, officials said.
“Most abandoned situations are not what they seem,” said Los Angeles Animal Services General Manager Sharon Morris.
“The mother is generally close by and will return to her fawns when she is ready or feels safe. Please do not remove fawns unless absolutely necessary.”
Should a fawn appear sick or wounded, residents are encouraged to call local animal control officers who will determine whether the animal needs care.
No facilities in Southern California are legally permitted to accept deer, officials said.
Finding homes for deer is nearly impossible, leaving animal control agencies with no alternative but to euthanize the animals.
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