Every year around Mother’s Day, nature’s moms are busy feeding, caring for and sheltering their young.
Young opossums are leaving their mother around this time. Born in February and weighing less than a dime, the large litters could all fit in a tablespoon. Now they have outgrown their mother’s kangaroo-like pouch and are moving out on their own.
Mother does will have one to three young—usually twins—in May or June. White-tailed deer don’t have permanent homes, so the female doe and her fawns will bed down on the ground. They are born scent-free to keep them safe from natural enemies like coyotes and bobcats. The fawns will lose their spots around September and stay with mom until the following spring.
When you see nature’s young in the wild, remember to let them be so their mothers can return and care for them. Discover more nature with the MDC’s Field Guide.
Want to find something you can do with your mom outdoors? Here are a few suggestions:
- Camping, floating, parks, horseback riding throughout Missouri
- Visit Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis
- Participate in the Mother’s Day 5K in Kansas City
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