Spotted a Baby Deer? Here’s What To Do (and Not Do)

Summer in Utah means hiking, camping, and sometimes, unexpected wildlife encounters. June specifically is when most deer and elk give birth. If you come across a baby deer or elk, here’s what to do.

👀 What You Might See

A Bambi-looking deer or elk calf lying alone in tall grass or brush. While it may look abandoned, with no adult in sight, fear not: Their mothers intentionally leave them solo for much of the day to avoid drawing predators near.

✅ What To Do

• Give it space: Admire the baby, even snap a pic, but stay back. Getting too close can stress the animal or cause it to flee.
• Trust the process: Moms typically return briefly each day to feed their young. The baby’s best chance for survival is staying put.
• Report only if it’s injured: If you see signs of injury or the animal hasn’t moved in days, call Utah DWR for guidance.

❌ What Not To Do

• No touchy: Your scent on the animal could attract predators.
• Don’t feed the animals: Wild animals have very specific diets. Human food, or even improper handling, can make them sick.
• Don’t take it home: It’s illegal to keep wild animals in captivity in Utah.

➡️ For more tips visit Wild Aware Utah.