Advisory On 'Abandoned' Wildlife Issued In Montgomery Co.

Whether its confusion over sightings of native black bears or undue alarm over coyotes, the density of development in suburban Philadelphia has left many eyes unattuned to the rhythms of nature.

The latest advisory issued by numerous police departments in Montgomery County and the Pennsylvania Game Commission seems to echo that issue, amid a rise in resident complaints about "abandoned" wildlife, particularly young deer fawns.

"You may come across a fawn lying alone in the grass or wooded areas," the Lansdale Police Department shared monday. "While it may appear abandoned, this is completely normal behavior. Mother deer often leave their fawns hidden while they forage nearby and will return once the area is clear."

The Hatfield Police Department issued a similar notice, acknowledging "numerous calls regarding 'abandoned' or 'injured' deer fawns."

The Game Commission strongly advised the general public to leave such fawns alone.

"Mother deer intentionally hide their young to protect them from predators," the agency shared. "If you encounter a baby deer, do not touch or attempt to move it. Please resist the urge to invite neighbors, friends, children to take a look. The longer people are present around the fawn, the longer the mother is going to stay away and adds stress to the fawn."

Baby fawns are often too weak to outrun predators in their first few weeks of life. By remaining completely still with their natural camouflage, they can effectively avoid detection until their mother returns.

If a deer is visibly injured, trapped, in immediate danger, or clearly orphaned (crying next to an adult for an extended period of time), reports can be made to the Game Commission for assistance at 1-833-PGC-WILD.