Nottingham Nature Nook releases 15 fawns into the wild in Bath Township – Lansing State Journal

"We could learn so much from them," Bath Township wildlife rehab center founder says.

"We could learn so much from them," Bath Township wildlife rehab center founder Cheryl Connell-Marsh says.

Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal, Lansing State Journal

BATH TWP. Little tongues licked little noses as 15 frivolous fawns frolicked, nibbled on tall grass and sheltered in their Fawn Haven sanctuary.

It wasnt a Disney movie; the scene unfolded on Cheryl Connell-Marsh's property Tuesday afternoon where she released the animals shes fawned over the past couple months.

I love it because its what theyre supposed to be, she said. But now Im sad, right?

Connell-Marsh operates Nottingham Nature Nook, a licensed rehabilitation facility that handles mammals and non-federally regulated birds. It specializes in foxes and deer, euthanasia, and advice, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Connell-Marsh has been rescuing fawns and other wildlife since 2013. Every October she releases rescued fawns into the wild, as required by the DNR's Wildlife Conservation Order.

The early October release is important so the fawns have time to acclimate to the wild before winter, DNR Wildlife Division Permit Specialist Casey Reitz said in an email.

We want them to be able to learn (to) forage before food production begins to diminish," Reitz said. "Releasing them in the late fall lowers their chance of survival due of the lack of food resources available.

Does usually give birth and start raising their fawns in late May and early June, according to the DNR.

Fawns that arrive at the Bath Township center can bevery dehydrated and emaciated, have broken bones, and be in critical condition. Last year, Connell-Marshwas able to save and release 18 of 50 fawns she received.

She names the fawns, with monikers like Cinderella and Pongo.

Connell-Marsh was sure Cinderella and Pongo were among the several deer wandering the property as she released this year's group of fawns.

This year she named the deer after national parks, including Sequoia, Bryce (Bryce Canyon), Royale (Isle Royale) and Joshua (Joshua Tree). Yellowstone, in particular, stuck close to Connell-Marsh during the release, occasionally nibbling on the corner of her jacket.

Connell-Marsh described the fawns as her little flock of sheep, and they sounded like it, too, with soft bleats every now and again. Some were a little skittish, and chose to remain in the pen named Fawn Haven at first while others followed Connell-Marsh into a field, their ears and tails twitching.

She spends hours, all afternoon sometimes, with the deer on release day. She cant put food out for them after the release, per regulations, but they do often stick close by, bedding on her property.

Connell-Marsh saves all sorts of animals: foxes, songbirds, squirrels. But fawns are different.

They're just so kind and gentle, she said.

She wishes people could see the relationships that develop between the animals and hopes people understand why shes so involved in trying to prevent culls from happening in her area.

U.S. Department of Agriculture biologists trained in firearms have removed deer in East Lansing the past two yearsunder a DNR permit. The culling areaincluded the aquatic center and complex, less than a mile from Nottingham Nature Nook at 16848 Towar Ave.

East Lansing reduced the deer population, in part, because the city averages more than 40 deer-vehicle crashes per year within city limits and the deer population continues to grow. All venison from removals was donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, according to the city's website.

Connell-Marsh said if she were to tranquilize the fawns and move them somewhere else, it would be very hard on them. And, she asked, why should she?

This is it, this is nature guys, Connell-Marsh said. You dont get to pick and choose.

Contact Bryce Airgoodat 517-267-0448 or bairgood@lsj.com. Follow her onTwitter @bairgood123.

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Nottingham Nature Nook releases 15 fawns into the wild in Bath Township - Lansing State Journal