Open Letter to South Dakota: Deer Aren’t Pets…Leave Them Alone

I don't get surprised by people too often, but someone in South Dakota just got caught for doing something so illegal that is blowing my mind.

Officials with South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks just rescued a whitetail fawn from South Dakota home. The homeowner was treating the fawn like a pet dog...This is just disturbing.

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South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (via Facebook)

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks captured the moment they found the young fawn in an upsetting Facebook post.

According to officers, the fawn was seen alone without mom near by. So the homeowner decided to look after the fawn like it was a normal pet. Here's a little tip for the future: Owning 'big game is illegal in South Dakota.' There's no acceptation.

Conservation Officers in south-central South Dakota recently responded to a home where a whitetail fawn was being kept as a pet. The homeowner had found the fawn while cutting hay and decided to keep her, fitting her with a dog harness and leash. Keeping big game is illegal in South Dakota.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (via Facebook), Canva

What's So Bad about Helping Wild Baby Animals who call South Dakota Home?

This fawn is now at a disadvantage in the wild. Mom helps with teaching their young ones survival skills. Furthermore, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks explain the babies might be rejected by their mom if there's any trace of human contact. You never know if the animals carry diseases that can spread.

Every spring and summer, people find young wild animals that appear to be alone or orphaned. The vast majority of the time, these animals are intentionally left alone as their mother, their main caregiver, is temporarily away finding food for herself and her young. By taking these young animals into captivity, you expose them to diseases and stress. You may also expose yourself, your family and pets to parasites, injuries and diseases such as rabies. These are among the many reasons it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets.

The young animals cannot survive this big world without their mom. Just remember this: "If you care, leave it there."  But if you're sure that a young animal has been abandoned, the best plan is to contact the Wildlife Division Office, Wildlife Conservation Officer, or Wildlife Damage Specialist here.

I know the babies like fawns are cute, but do your best to keep your distance! Let them be.