The division reports hikers and campers may come across deer fawns or elk calves in late May or June. If they do, the division says the baby animals should not be fed or touched because such contact can have fatal consequences for the animal or result in injuries to people.
Mule deer fawns and elk calves are often isolated from their mothers during the first weeks of their lives. The division says mothers leave the babies alone to draw away attention and keep their children safe.
Approaching, touching or petting baby animals can be dangerous, drawing predators to the newborns. Wildlife experts advise giving the animals plenty of space and say people should never attempt to remove the babies from the wild or take them home.
Under Utah law it is illegal to keep wildlife in captivity.
If a baby animal is found injured or sick, the nearest wildlife resources office should be called.
