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.
