Calgary family finds newborn deer relaxing on front lawn

A fawn on the front lawn wasn't exactly what Adam Ludwar imagined he'd see first thing in the morning while tending to his daughter.

A Calgary father in the throes of early parenting woke up on Wednesday to find another baby on his front lawn – this one a recently-born fawn.

Adam Ludwar says he got up with his seven-month-old daughter Ori just before 6 a.m., later noticing an adult deer was just outside their Oakridge home.

“As I walked up closer to the door to show her, we saw that it had just recently -- probably within 10-15 minutes -- had a fawn,”

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“It was pretty neat,” Ludwar added. “My first thought was to go wake up my wife Alaina (Schreiner).”

“She was obviously very excited. The first thing she mentioned [was] having a newborn in our house and having another one on the lot.”

Videos recorded by the couple show the wobbly fawn hoisting itself up and taking some apprehensive steps.

Ludwar says he and his wife see deer in the area quite often, but a fawn is something new.

“Definitely wouldn’t expect to see it in the city like this,” he said. “It’s pretty exciting.”

The father says the magical moment is one the family won’t soon forget – especially baby Ori.

“She definitely caught a glimpse of it, and then she stared, and as soon as she saw it moving –both of them moving – it really caught her attention.”

Beki Hunt, executive director with the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, shed some light on how the deer ended up on the front lawn.

“All wild parents give birth where they think is appropriate,” said Hunt.

“They have the wisdom and the knowledge about what’s best for them. At the time when she went into labour, I’m sure that was the spot for her.”

According to Hunt, deer start to give birth around June.

The deer and fawn ended up staying on the lawn until just before noon.

“Fawns are left alone by their mother … mom knows the safe spot, so whether that be under bushes or tall grass, she leaves them alone while she goes out to forage," said Hunt.

“They are born scentless. The spots they have are a way for them to camouflage.”

The province’s Public Safety and Emergency Services advises anyone who comes across a fawn, gosling or young wild animal to leave it where it is.

“In many cases, the mother is nearby but temporarily away searching for food. This is normal behaviour, and the young animal is usually not in danger,” a statement forwarded to CTV News said.

“If you are concerned about an animal you think has been orphaned, monitor it from a distance for at least 24 hours. If, after this time, you still do not see the mother return, call the nearest Fish and Wildlife office for advice on how to proceed in a way that’s safest for you and for the animal.”

Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society hosting ‘baby shower’

The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society is hosting its annual baby shower, supporting spring and summer wild babies.

“This is our busiest time of year … when we’re taking, you know, 900 per cent more patients,” said Hunt.

The society is hoping to raise $40,000.

“All animals give birth in the spring and summer, so, animals that we take into our centre, it’s really all birds, lots of raptors,” said Hunt.

A Facebook stream will run June 4, 11, 18 and 25.