A couple was cited by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for possession of wildlife without a permit after bringing a week-old fawn into a Walmart. The woman was carrying the baby deer, while the man was pushing a shopping cart. Walmart employees first spotted the couple in the dog food aisle and alerted the Georgia DNR on May 18, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. The Walmart is located in Grovetown, about 134 miles east of Atlanta. 

By the time wildlife officials arrived, the couple had left the store, but officers were able to identify a company logo on the man’s shirt from the security footage. Wildlife officials contacted the company and were able to identify the man. They arrived at his home in Appling, Georgia, on May 19.

The man told officials that his dogs brought the fawn into his yard, and he wanted to take care of it.

It’s common for a fawn to be left alone for long periods of time while its mother is searching for food. “Some fawns are a little more curious than others,” said Saxon Campbell, a first-class game warden with the Georgia DNR. However, it is illegal for people to keep them as pets. 

Georgia DNR officials posted the following message to the agency Facebook page: “This is a good time to remind everyone that just because you find a fawn ‘abandoned’ by its mother, it most likely has just been left alone until she returns and should never be moved.”

Campbell said the DNR took possession of the fawn, which weighed about three pounds, and took it to St. Francis Animal Hospital in Augusta. Campbell said that anyone who has a question about the well-being of a wild animal should call local wildlife authorities.

“They should contact their local Department of Natural Resources wildlife division office,” he said. “Especially, don’t take it to Walmart.”