Four fawns were recently released at Fort Flagler State Park after successful wildlife rehabilitation at Center Valley Animal Rescue (CVAR).

The fawns, from various locations in western Washington, were brought to CVAR in the spring after being found abandoned or injured. One fawn suffered a broken leg after being hit by a car; another was orphaned when its mother was killed by a car; one was rescued from a pack of coyotes; and another was stolen from its mother by a family that wanted to keep it as a pet.

Sara Penhallegon, director of CVAR and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, raised the fawns at CVAR’s permitted wildlife rehab center just north of Quilcene, restored their health and prepared them for release. The facility has been specially built in order to keep wildlife away from the human contact so they can remain wild.

When animals are ready for release, Penhallegon consults with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for possible areas for safe release. Options are considered carefully, keeping in mind both the safety of the animals as well as the public, she said.

A special concern at this time of year was finding a place where hunting is not allowed. The fawns, now young deer, had to be caught in their enclosure and sedated for safe transport. Because the deer would have drugs in their systems and would be a little woozy upon release, it was important to find a location for release where hunting is not allowed, Penhallegon noted.

Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island proved to be a perfect site with no hunting, plenty of native food and a large, open field that would allow the deer to fully recover from the anesthesia. Penhallegon contacted the park to inquire about releasing the fawns there, and the Fort Flagler State Park staff and the local WDFW office approved. As the yearlings were released in the field, a local adult doe greeted the new deer and appeared to adopt them, Penhallegon reported. The deer release at Fort Flagler State Park brings new bloodlines onto the island and provides a safe harbor for the yearlings.

CVAR, a shelter and adoption center for domestic and farm animals, has been in Quilcene since 2004. The wildlife center, established in February 2012, takes in all types of wild mammals for rehabilitation, from coyotes and deer to voles and weasels. A wildlife center is considered successful if it can save and rehabilitate at least 50 percent of the animals cared for. In 2014, so far, CVAR has taken in more than 70 wild animals, doubling what was brought in 2013. Sixty percent of the wildlife this year survived and were released back into the wild in remote locations, a good start for the wildlife rehab center and the animals released thus far.

Anyone wishing to contribute to CVAR’s Wildlife Fund can send donations to CVAR, 11900 Center Road, Quilcene, WA 98376.