I was always taught as a kid youre not supposed to handle young deer, because theres a chance the mother will not accept them back after they get covered in your scent.
I am uncertain about that. Though, do not quote me on this, but I think the scent thing about a parent rejecting its young may be a folk tale and not true. As an example: birds were one of the species which we were told not to handle their young if they fell from their nest for fear of the young being rejected, but that was false. I am certain that applies to mammals, too.
Yet, I think what is more important is the landscaper rubbing a young deer's belly and the deer not wanting the hooman to stop. Priceless!
This post was edited by UAPtictac on May 21 2026 10:20pm