Orphaned Fawns Get New Lease on Life on Consumers Energy Land in Southeast Michigan

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a wildlife rehabilitator to provide a safe habitat for three orphaned whitetail deer fawns on its land in Southeast Michigan. The fawns, rescued from illegal captivity and vehicular accidents, were released into a remote area to minimize human interaction. The company has committed to continuing this environmental conservation effort by granting annual licenses for wildlife rehabilitation on its properties.

Positive

• Collaboration with wildlife experts enhances corporate social responsibility.
• Successful release of fawns indicates effective rehabilitation efforts.
• Commitment to environmental conservation aligns with company values.

Negative

• None.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A first-time collaboration between Consumers Energy, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a certified wildlife rehabilitator will offer three orphaned whitetail deer fawns a chance to survive and thrive on Consumers Energy land in Southeast Michigan.

"Consumers Energy is committed to the Triple Bottom Line of people, planet and prosperity. We are pleased to be able to provide a safe haven for wildlife and will continue to seek new opportunities to protect and preserve the environment of our great state," said Amy Walt, vice president of operations support for Consumers Energy.

The three fawns were recently released on a parcel of Consumers Energy land in southeast Michigan. To protect their safety, the location isn't being disclosed but they were placed on a large section of land with little chance of human interaction to give them the best chance at survival through the hunting season and beyond.

The fawns were taken in by the MDNR and Erin Stacks, a 17-year wildlife rehabilitator and disabled veteran who operates Back 2 the Wild Rehab nonprofit rescue. Stacks said two fawns were confiscated from residents who had illegally taken them into their homes, and the third was rescued after its mother was killed by a vehicle. 

"People don't realize how fragile orphaned fawns are," Stacks said. "They require a lot of care and a special diet to survive. My job is to teach them how to be wild and have a healthy fear of humans so their chance of survival is enhanced."

The collaboration began with Rob Bourgeois, a Consumers Energy real estate employee who works hand in hand with MDNR conservation officers who help patrol Consumers Energy property where hunting and other activity is prohibited, such as on utility corridors, natural gas compression and electric substations, and storage fields. As part of their regular communication, a conservation officer suggested Consumers Energy land as a perfect spot to release the fawns.

The company provided a no-fee license to the rescue for use of the property, which will be renewed annually should additional release opportunities arise anywhere Consumers Energy owns land.

The fawns were rehabbed with extremely limited human contact to give them the best chance at survival, Stacks said. They were taught to forage, drink and basically how to be wild deer, she added.

Stacks said the reintroduction into the wild appeared to be successful as the fawns quickly began exploring. "It was a beautiful piece of property to release the fawns on," she said. As they mature, the fawns could migrate to other areas or they may choose to stay on the company property, which includes hundreds of acres of wooded and grassy land.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electric service to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy  
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orphaned-fawns-get-new-lease-on-life-on-consumers-energy-land-in-southeast-michigan-301137242.html

SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What is the recent initiative by Consumers Energy regarding wildlife?

Consumers Energy has collaborated with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to provide a safe habitat for three orphaned whitetail deer fawns.

Where were the orphaned fawns released?

The fawns were released on Consumers Energy land in Southeast Michigan, in a remote area to minimize human interaction.

What was the condition of the fawns before their release?

The fawns were rescued after being illegally taken by residents and one was found after its mother was killed by a vehicle.

Who supervised the rehabilitation of the fawns?

The fawns were cared for by Erin Stacks, a wildlife rehabilitator and disabled veteran, at her nonprofit rescue, Back 2 the Wild Rehab.

How does Consumers Energy support wildlife rehabilitation?

Consumers Energy provided a no-fee license for the use of its land for wildlife rehabilitation and plans to renew it annually for future opportunities.