Wildlife officials in Utah have warned well-meaning hikers not to pick up baby elk and deer and take them home, even if they believe they have been abandoned. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) advises hikers and campers to leave calves and fawns where they are, and never to touch or try to feed them.
As the DWR explains, you're likely to come across young animals in late May and June, but even if they seem to be alone, it's likely that their mother is nearby. In fact, she has likely left the youngster briefly for its own safety.
