LOCAL NEWS

DWR is asking that newborn elk and deer be left alone

May 28, 2024, 12:58 PM | Updated: 6:26 pm

SALT LAKE CITY As the summer season begins, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking anyone heading into the mountains to be mindful of newborn deer and elk.

Deer fawns and elk calves are often born during June, according to the DWR. The DWR is asking any outdoor enthusiasts who come across a fawn or a calf to leave it alone.

The DWR said most times a deer fawn or a elk calf being let alone is a way of its mother protecting it.

“Newborn fawns are actually frequently alone and isolated during their first weeks of life — and that’s on purpose,” said Dax Mangus, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources big game coordinator in a news release. “The mother knows that leaving the fawn alone is the best way to protect it from predators.”

The DWR is asking any outdoor enthusiasts who come across a newborn deer or elk to leave it alone. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

According to the DWR, newborn big game animals fall into one of two categories — followers and hiders.

  • Followers: These include bison calves and bighorn sheep lambs, which follow their mothers a short time after they are born.
  • Hiders: Deer fawns and elf calves do the opposite. They hide for most of the day during the first two to three weeks of their lives.

The DWR said a doe deer will meet up with its fawn for a short time. During this time, the doe will nurse and take care of its fawn. For the protection of the newborn, the doe will then leave the fawn and spend the rest of the day resting and feeding.

What you should do if you see a newborn deer or elk

The DWR has provided several tips on what people should do if they come across a newborn elk or deer.

  • Don’t approach it.
  • Don’t touch it or pet it.
  • Give the animal a safe distance.
  • Never attempt to remove the animal from the wild.

By ignoring these tips, the DWR said people are not only putting themselves at risk, but it can have fatal consequences for the animal.

“Keeping your distance and not touching wildlife are essential to keeping young animals alive,” Mangus said. “Attempting to take matters into your own hands and trying to ‘help’ wildlife usually does more harm than good. Help wildlife by allowing them to remain wild.”

Reports of any sick or injured newborn animal can be made by contacting the nearest the DWR office.

 

 

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

4 hours ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Matt Rourke, Associated Press) FILE: police lights. On...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

4 hours ago

An Orem home that was scheduled to be demolished on fire on Feb. 4, 2025....

Brian Carlson

Massive Orem house fire being investigated as arson

A fire that destroyed an empty Orem home in a wooded area of the city is now being investigated as arson.

5 hours ago

Nancy Duncan and Nick Jenderko behind Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 Grammy Awards show....

Mike Anderson

Utahns sat among stars at the Grammys

Some Utahns earned some bragging rights after a night at the Grammy Awards.

6 hours ago

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

7 hours ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

DWR is asking that newborn elk and deer be left alone