(Josh Copitch, KSBW)

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — Cute baby fawns are beginning to wander the streets of Pacific Grove and police are asking the public to be careful and to keep their distance.

The police department has issued guidance on what to do if you see a baby deer.

• Do not touch or move a fawn, and be sure to keep your distance. The mother deer is most likely close by keeping a watchful eye on things and can be very protective
• If you feel like a fawn is in distress (sick, injured, in a dangerous location, or the mother hasn’t returned), call the SPCA at 831-264-5427.
• Watch where you step. Fawns will remain incredibly still, so be careful not to step on them or allow your dog to get too close.
• Check around your car before driving, fawns have been found in the past bedded down against tires.
• Do not feed the deer
• If you are in an area with deer, drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road

According to the city of Pacific Grove, “Deer are not inherently aggressive animals. However, a doe may become territorial or defensive of an area if she perceives that her young are threatened. This may cause her to revert to her natural instinct and act in defense of her fawn. This is especially true if she perceives a dog as a predator. “