Baby animals on the loose

Fawns: They can walk, they're just not that good at it... yet. Gorgeous photo "Fawn II" by dailyinvention is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

It’s June, and everywhere in forests, fields, farms and cities, tiny birds are fly-falling out of nests, springy squirrels are flexing their play muscles, and this year’s black bear cubs are out with their moms, learning what to eat. I just saw the tiniest baby bunny who didn’t give a hoot that I was 100x her size.

We’re lucky to see even one baby animal in the spring, since their parents are usually experts at keeping them hidden––from just about anything.

White-tailed deer fawn are born late May to early June, as tiny as a cat at 2-4 kilos. If you’re quiet with keen eyes, you might spot one in the woods If you do, be sure to leave it alone. Newborn fawns lie in hiding places for about three weeks, with mom returning a few times a day to nurse and lick up anything smelly. (And I thought changing diapers was bad.)

Invisible, quiet and odourless is the strategy. Even twin fawns are hidden in separate places––to spread out the risk. Nature can be cold, but smart.

Be sure to keep your distance from any babies you spot, as you will definitely find a better picture online, like the one above snapped by talented photographer dailyinvention.

By the way, did you have any idea that deer scream when they’re alarmed? What would you do if you heard that screech-honk at night…while sleeping in your tent? At least now you’ll know it’s not the devil himself on the prowl for souls, so that helps, right?