Some memories last a lifetime and certainly, that will be the case for this little girl who shared this special moment with a newborn fawn.
Sometimes nature can be so sweet. And, at other times, so cruel that it can break your heart. This is one of those situations where the two converge into something tender and unique, an adorable little miracle that you don’t get to see every day.
While the Herring family was away on a canoe trip, apparently a deer gave birth near their home. As harsh as it seems, in nature, mother deer leave their fawns alone so that they can go eat and drink. Even with newborns, the mothers stay away to avoid leading predators toward their helpless babies.
But baby deer are innocent and not yet fearful of people or pets. So, when the Herring family returned home and began unpacking their car, the spotted baby deer approached their young daughter, Maya.
Maya kneeled in the driveway, and the tiny fawn walked right up to her, even though it was still a little wobbly. The curious fawn showed no fear and seemed to be looking for companionship.
The two share a moment when they are nearly face-to-face, and the fawn nuzzles Maya’s hand. Then the baby deer allows the little girl to gently pet it on the back before the fawn follows the little girl back into the woods.
Despite this sweet encounter, people should not touch fawns because it can cause them harm and very few are abandoned. According to The Wildlife Center of Virginia:
“Until they are strong enough to keep up with their mothers, deer fawns are left alone while their mothers go off to feed. Mother deer will stay away from the fawns to avoid leading predators to their young. They do return at dawn and dusk to feed and/or move their young. Fawns are typically left in an area with tall grass or bushes, but sometimes they are left in more open areas, including backyards. Older deer fawn may wander short distances.”
Fawns are born scent-free and have white camouflage spots which protect them from predators, yet another reason why humans should never touch a fawn. Leaving a human scent on a fawn can attract predators. If you must touch a fawn to return it to the place where found:
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