BC RCMP seizes fawn during traffic stop at Fort St. John | Globalnews.ca

Police traffic stops are an everyday occurrence, but one with a fawn in the backseat?

That’s what police found in Fort St. John in the early hours of Thursday, June 30.

According to the RCMP, after the vehicle was stopped, officers saw an approximately one-month-old baby deer in the back seat.

“The occupants of the vehicle were arrested for possession of live wildlife, with subsequent investigation resulting in the seizure of drugs,” police said.

Police say “the fawn enjoyed time with RCMP members before being handed over to Conservation. The deer will be heading to Rimrock Wildlife Rehab to rejoin the wild once he is able to do so.”

RCMP added that they are still investigating, as is the BC Conservation Office.

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The Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) issues reminders each spring to leave fawns alone and not to disturb them.

It also says that caring for a fawn is illegal under the Wildlife Act, and people can be fined for illegal possession of live wildlife. Fines start at $345.

“Each year, the BCCOS receives calls from well-meaning individuals trying to ‘rescue’ fawns they believe to be orphans, but interfering can cause more harm than good,” the COS said.

“We understand that they are cute and appear defenseless, but rest assured that it is common for females to leave their young for hours while searching for food.

“Moving a fawn can cause it to be unable to reunite with its mother, greatly reducing its chances of survival. Leaving newborn deer alone is the best thing you can do to help them.”

However, the COS says that if you are concerned that a fawn is injured or abandoned, call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.