Early Born Wildlife – What You Absolutely Have to Consider
FOUR PAWS asks walkers for increased attention for wild animals
Normally, the young of wild animals are born in springtime. This is because during the colder months, many animals go through a stage of 'dormancy', which interrupts the development of the embryo and extends the gestation period. This is to prevent their offspring from being born at times when the food supply for rearing is not optimal.
Deer offspring, called fawns, are usually born in spring when there is enough food for mother and child. The same also goes for other wild critters such as martens, badgers, stoats and bigger mammals such as brown bears, who also give birth to their young after winter.
However, despite this, it is possible to find fawns with their mothers as early as January.
Winter time: An increased risk with births
Although it is not quite clear the exact reasons for an increase of births very early in the year, especially during the freezing temperatures at this time of year. However, biologist and wildlife expert Florian Eiserlo, sees several reasons why this might be.
Our expert advice: Do not intervene too early!
If you discover a fawn or any other young animal in the cold season, you should not immediately take it in. Animals are masters of adaptation and can cope with seemingly unfavourable weather conditions. Instead, you should follow these rules:
- Keep calm and observe the animal from a reasonable distance. Often the mother animal is very close by.
- Only if the animal is weak or even injured you should contact the nearest wildlife centre.
- Dogs should always be leashed when walking through forests and meadows and the dog owner should not leave the paths.
