Park visitors warned to keep clear of deer as autumn rut gets underway
Visitors to Richmond Park and Bushy Park are being urged to give deer plenty of space as the autumn deer rut begins, with The Royal Parks joining the RSPCA and British Deer Society in a new safety campaign.
The deer rut, which runs from September to November, is the period when stags compete for access to females. During this time, rising testosterone levels can make deer more unpredictable and less tolerant of people. Stags can weigh more than 150kg and reach speeds of around 40mph, making close encounters potentially dangerous.
The warning follows a serious incident in Richmond Park in August, when a stag attacked a man after approaching his picnic. The deer was subsequently put down after its behaviour was judged to have become associated with people and food, creating an ongoing risk to visitors.
The Royal Parks says feeding deer is prohibited, but numerous videos showing people approaching and feeding deer have appeared on social media this summer. Apart from creating a safety risk, feeding can damage deer by giving them unsuitable food and reducing their natural wariness of people.
Visitors are being asked to stay at least 50 metres from deer and never approach, touch or attempt to photograph them at close range. Dogs should also be kept on leads and at least 50 metres away, while The Royal Parks recommends walking dogs elsewhere during the rut to avoid confrontations.
Anyone who encounters an approaching or threatening deer should move away calmly and avoid blocking its path. A solid object, such as a tree, can be used as a barrier if necessary. Visitors should also avoid positioning themselves between deer and follow instructions from Royal Parks staff and Volunteer Rangers.
The campaign will also include an engagement stand in Richmond Park on 11 October, when British Deer Society experts and Royal Parks Volunteer Rangers will speak with visitors about deer behaviour and staying safe during the deer rut.
For more, visit EyeOnLondon at eye-on-london.com
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
