ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Spring is the busiest season of the year for the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center.
Each year they receive hundreds of baby animals including squirrels, opossums, skunks, birds and raccoons, but the center has reported an increase in the number of fawns brought in this year.
In fact, in only two days the center received five fawns. The majority of which received Executive Director Sabrina Garvin says were unnecessarily rescued from people with good intention who find them. She says in most cases, fawns don't need to be rescued. Doing so decreases their chances of survival by 70-percent.
"Too many people with good hearts or acting out of kindness see a healthy fawn and immediately want to help by picking it up. Doe's leave them alone for long periods, but that does not mean they are abandoned. If you see a fawn and you are concerned please call a Rehabber before moving the fawn," Garvin said.
Garvin says it's normal to find fawns alone in the springtime. She says if one is found, to not touch or move it. Most likely the mother is around. Garvin says doe typically leave their young fawn alone for much of the day hidden in high grass.
"The mothers do this to help the fawns stay hidden. Doing so keeps attention from predators and humans away from the fawn," Garvin said.
Any human interference will only leave the animal orphaned.
"Each time we receive a fawn that was unnecessarily taken away from its mother, that takes the space away from another fawn who may be injured and needs our help," Garvin said.
A volunteer based organization, Garvin says their resources are limited. She recommends that if fawn are found, to first leave them alone. "Touching them only harms them," Garvin said.
In cases where fawn may be found too close to a roadway, Garvin recommends only gently nudging the fawn on the forehead, encouraging it to move away.
"These fawn imprint so easily," Garvin said. "It's easy for young to imprint on a human or even another animal, thinking that animal is it's mother if we interfere unnecessarily."
For more information about the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center or to donate visit their website.