Development is encroaching more and more into areas that used to be solely animals’ habitats, so it is likely that we will encounter more wild animals crossing “our” property, tempting us to intercede in the animals’ natural life cycles.
Results of the 2008 Deer Hunter Survey conducted by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources indicate that the statewide harvest of deer last season totaled 248,778, an increase of 4 percent over the previous year.
Blessed with incredible natural bounty and beauty, South Carolina’s natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state’s economy, according to a recently completed study.
If a deer fawn is found alone in the woods, leave it there, advises a state wildlife biologist. Its mother has not abandoned it; she is probably nearby. The apparently “helpless” deer fawns born during April, May and June in South Carolina will begin daily movements with their mothers in about three or four weeks. Human handling and disturbance of fawns can cause a doe to shy away or even desert her offspring.
