Deer rutting season in London parks: safety advice for visitors

The deer rutting season in London parks is under way, and visitors are being urged to take care when enjoying Richmond and Bushy Parks this autumn.

From late September to early November, red deer stags compete for females by roaring and locking antlers in dramatic battles. The Royal Parks charity has reminded the public that, while fascinating to watch, this is a period when the animals are at their most aggressive and unpredictable.

Paul Richards, park manager at Richmond Park, said:

“The rut is a fascinating natural event, but please don’t forget these are wild animals, pumped full of testosterone and can be unpredictable.”

Stags can weigh more than 25 stone (around 158kg) and are capable of running at high speeds. Combined with heightened hormone levels, this makes them potentially dangerous to approach.

Phil Edwards, park manager at Bushy Park, added: “Our advice is simple: keep at least 50 metres away from the deer – and even further if they are active. We strongly recommend that visitors keep their dogs on leads, as dogs can give chase and distressed deer may bolt, risking an uncontrolled stampede.”

The charity also warns against placing yourself between two rutting stags, as clashes can escalate quickly. Respecting the animals and observing from a safe distance will help protect visitors, pets and the deer themselves.

For more details about visiting guidance, see the official advice here.

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[Image Credit | Getty Images]

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