A real-life Bambi rescued by an animal welfare charity has been given a new lease of life.
The abandoned fawn was spotted crying out for its mum as it walked alone through a field near Dunkeld.
A member of the public raised the alarm, reporting that the animal was in a weakened state with no sign of its mother.
The Scottish SPCA were called to the field on July 17 and found the deer on its own in the field.
Now named Bailey by his rescuers, he is being rehabilitated at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Bailey was very weak when he arrived, but is recovering well and responding to treatment.
“He is currently being looked after by our Head of Large Mammals, Sheelagh McAllister.”
The Scottish SPCA has warned members of the public not to approach baby deer unless there is genuine concern about its welfare, as there clearly was in Bailey’s case.
Mr Seddon said: “Fawns are left alone from a very early age as their mothers go foraging.
“They are left curled up under bushes or in long grasses to keep hidden from potential predators, but are often disturbed by dogs and humans.
“Our advice is to leave the fawn alone, unless showing signs of distress and calling out, and return in 24 hours as the mother will likely have moved it.
“If it has not been moved at this stage, but is still not calling or showing any signs of distress, the mother has probably come back and fed it.”
He added: “To be sure a fawn has been abandoned it must be observed from a distance for at least 12 hours. A fawn that has been truly abandoned will get up from its hiding place and start calling for its mother.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
