The young deer lay still, save a rolling eye or the telltale expansion of a rising chest. Their spotted backs made them almost part of the leafy forest floor they lay curled upon. With danger at arm's length, these fawns were cool. Even when several researchers closed in on one, the young deer remained in a fetal position, nose tucked in, tail pulled tight. Probably cost a few deer theirs, too.
Some people suspect coyotes are taking more than an acceptable number of fawns.
The Game Commission's biologists also are concerned that poor habitat conditions may be impacting the health of nursing does to the point where they cannot adequately satisfy the nutritional needs of their fawns. This study aims to shed light on these concerns, as well as provide insight into the movements of young deer. Studies from other states have demonstrated that fawn mortality factors can vary. Our job is to get a handle on Pennsylvania's situation, which may not be similar to that of other states. The only way to know for sure is to do the field work.