‘Kidnapping wildlife is illegal’: SC wildlife officials say leave lone fawns, bear cubs alone
By Stephanie Moore
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GREENVILLE, South Carolina (WYFF) — South Carolina wildlife officials are urging residents to leave young fawns alone this spring, reminding the public that kidnapping wildlife from the wild is illegal.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says a fawn found lying alone is usually not orphaned or abandoned. In the first weeks of life, mother deer often leave their young bedded down in a safe spot while they feed and rest nearby. The doe typically returns only a few times each day to nurse and groom the fawn, a strategy that helps protect it from predators.
Authorities warn that although it may be tempting to rescue a seemingly helpless animal, removing a fawn from the wild can do more harm than good. Deer raised in captivity often have poor long-term survival rates, and fawns that become used to people can grow into dangerous or nuisance animals, sometimes leading to their death.
Wildlife officials are asking anyone who spots a fawn alone in the coming months to leave it where it is and allow its mother to return.
The same is true for baby bears. SCDNR says they are often left alone but their parents are nearby and will return.
They ask if you find a bear cub, do not pick it up. Instead, mark its location and report it to wildlife biologists by calling 1-800-922-5431.
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