When it comes to newborn wildlife, mother knows best, and so with the recent wind down of fawning and calving season, the province is again reminding people that young deer, elk or moose should not be touched or moved when encountered.

People who find these newborns alone often mistakenly believe they have been abandoned, but usually they have only been left there temporarily by their mother, who will return.

Intervening in such situations by "rescuing" a fawn or calf will usually do more harm than good.

It is normal for mother deer, elk, and other ungulates to leave their young alone for long periods, returning a few times a day to nurse and relying on the fawn's lack of scent to protect them from potential predators.

Returning deer that find humans or pets nearby may leave or can become aggressive in efforts to defend their offspring from the perceived threat.

The mother will return if the young is left alone.

Although these newborns may appear abandoned, it is rarely the case, and if they are removed they will be orphaned.

While professional wildlife rehabilitation facilities in some areas of B.C. can successfully rear these newborns, there is no maternal care and their chances of survival are far less than if they had been raised by their wild parents.

This is true not just for deer; many mammals leave their young alone for long periods of time only to return to feed them at regular intervals.

So the province advises people if they encounter a baby deer or calf, or other mammal in the wild, appreciate the experience, but don't approach or intervene.

Quick Facts:

If a person finds a fawn or calf that they think may be orphaned, here's what to do:

* If it is lying quietly, leave it alone and depart the area. A human presence discourages the mother from returning.

* Keep all children and pets away from the area.

* If a person thinks the fawn or calf is not being cared for by its mother, return the next day to check. If it is in the exact same spot, it may be injured or orphaned. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

* Do not touch, feed, or move the animal.

To find a wildlife rehabilitator in the area, visit the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of British Columbia at: www.wrnbc.org/ contact/find-a-local-rehabilitator.

READERS TAKE STUNNING WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHS

A few weeks back, The TIMES invited its readers to share some of their favourite wildlife pictures with us. Once again, they've come through in spades, as you can see from this incredible series of photographs captured in backyards, golf courses, roadways, and even animal sanctuaries. Thanks for taking the time to share your images.