A young deer that spent the day tucked beside the Ontario County Courthouse in Canandaigua has been safely reunited with its mother after drawing the attention of courthouse employees and visitors.
The fawn was discovered Wednesday morning resting against one of the courthouse’s front pillars. Staff and members of the public left the animal undisturbed, recognizing that mother deer often leave their young alone while they forage nearby.
Throughout the day, the fawn remained calm and appeared healthy while sheltering near the building’s entrance. Its presence quickly became a point of interest among courthouse staff and visitors passing through the area.
A review of courthouse security footage later revealed the outcome many had hoped for. At about 9 p.m., a doe returned to the courthouse, reunited with the fawn and left the area with it.
Officials said the incident serves as a reminder that young wildlife should generally be left alone unless they are clearly injured or in immediate danger, as a parent animal is often nearby and will return when conditions are safe.
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