Staffordshire County Council is warning people not to disturb baby deer while visiting country parks as fawning season gets underway.

Many species of deer give birth between May and July.

This may mean members of the public will come across newborn or young deer lying in the undergrowth.

However, this is normal deer behaviour and not a cause for concern as mothers often choose to leave their fawns hidden while they go off to feed.

Staffordshire County Council said: "Visitors are strongly urged not to approach, touch, feed, or move baby deer.

"Even well-meaning human contact can have serious consequences because a person's scent may deter the mother from returning to care for her young."

Additionally, to protect deer and other vulnerable wildlife during breeding season (1 March to 31 July), dogs should be kept on short leads (maximum 2 metres) on Open Access land in England and Wales.

It has been reported that there has been a rise in incidents of deer being fed by hand or from vehicles.

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This can cause deer to become unnaturally dependent on human food meaning they can become a nuisance in residential areas.

Staffordshire County Council added: "Feeding deer inappropriate foods increases the risk of spreading diseases and it can seriously harm their health, disrupting their digestive systems and causing illness, dehydration or, in severe cases, death."

In recent months, deer searching for food have become trapped in fencing and football nets and have had to be rescued by rangers.

Feeding deer from cars can cause them to lose their natural fear of traffic as they associate vehicles with food increasing the likelihood of a crash.

On average, rangers respond to 150 deer-vehicle crashes each year in Cannock Chase alone.

Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: "I completely understand that seeing a baby deer on its own can feel worrying but, in most cases, there is no need to intervene.

"Deer mothers are very careful and will leave their fawns hidden in long grass or undergrowth while they go off to feed.

"Please be assured that they're not abandoned, they're just being kept safe.

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"If people stay away, keep dogs under control, and don't touch or feed them, it gives the best chance for the mother to return and raise her young naturally."

Anyone who sees an injured deer on the roadside or who is involved in a deer-vehicle crash should call Staffordshire Police on 999.

If the deer is dead, call 101 and a deer warden will be notified.