WALKERS have been warned against intervening if they find a baby deer alone in Herefordshire.

Patrick Faulkner, a deer management adviser for the Deer Initiative, said he was made aware of an incident on the county border where walkers came across a fawn which they thought had been abandoned before taking it home.

However, Mr Faulkner, who lives in the Bircher area, said this is a natural phenomenon and the mother will leave the fawn to go and feed but will return to suckle it several times throughout the day.

He said: "Even if they took it back, the mother would not go to it now as it would be tainted with human scent.

"I fully understand why they did it. They didn't realise or understand but it's a natural thing and the mother will come back.

"My advice would be to leave the fawn, don't touch it. Just walk away from it. Some people think they should wait for the mum to come back but she won't do that while they are close by."

Anyone needing advice can contact Mr Faulkner on 07989330874.