It’s about that time of year where deer and their fawns are seen roaming around the Bluff more than usual. Aaron Palmieri has a few facts for us to better understand these wonderful animals we are surrounded by.

• Don’t panic if you stumble upon an “abandoned” fawn. Does leave their young alone for most of the day to keep them hidden from predators. Please keep your pets on a leash and leave them be as the doe will be back to feed her fawn.
• The spots on a fawn are not because the printer ran out of ink. It is camouflage that helps break up their form while they are waiting for their mother to return. A quick glance from a predator may mistake a fawn for the sun dappled forest floor.
• Deer do not have a vendetta against your hibiscus and azaleas, but they certainly love “candy!” Non-native plants typically need more fertilizer and water than native plants, which pumps the plants full of nutrients and makes them a great food source for deer. There are a couple ways to deal with deer cropping your garden. Reduce the amount of fertilizer used on your plants, which will make them less delectable but may hinder the plants growth. Use native alternatives to your ornamental non-native plants as they are used to deer eating on them. Or you can plant solid rings of society garlic, rosemary, or Mexican tarragon around the “hour d’oeuvre” to help keep the deer off.