Amherst Police Issue Important Warning About Deer In Western New York

Amherst Police are reminding people that while it might feel like you're helping, one simple action on your part could do more harm than good to deer.

Last week, I was disc golfing at Como Lake Park in Lancaster when one of my discs sailed off into the woods.  As I went off the beaten path to find it, instead, I came across this.  Do you see it?

What if I zoom in closer for you...

It's a baby deer, also known as a fawn. It was just lying there, nearly motionless in the brush. While it surprised me at first, it was incredibly peaceful to look at.  However, if you stumble on one, you should never touch them unless they're clearly injured, visibly ill, or in immediate danger like they're lying ain a roadway or something similar.

The Amherst Police have issued a reminder to people

The Amherst Police are reminding people that if they find a fawn lying by itself, they should not interfere.

They remind you that you shouldn't touch, move, or "rescue" the fawn.  The lonely fawn is completely natural.  That deer's mother is probably not far, and if you touch them, it could do more harm than good. You could be separating the fawn from it's mother permanently if the mother comes back to the spot where she left it and it's not there.

All you have to do is just enjoy it for a second, then walk away from it.  Do not touch them or remove them from the situation.