Rutting stags can be dangerous, Royal Parks warn

Visitors to the Royal Parks in London have been warned to stay away from rutting deer trying to attract a mate.

Between late September and early November, stags engage in dramatic displays of power and aggression by roaring and clashing antlers.

Walkers in Richmond Park and Bushy Park in south-west London are being advised to be extra cautious, keep dogs on leads and away from the herd, and watch the spectacle from afar.

People should stay at least 100m (320ft) away from rutting deer, the Royal Parks charity said.

Rutting stags can weigh over 25 stone (158kg) and reach speeds of up to 30mph, making them dangerous if disturbed.

Paul Richards, park manager at Richmond Park, said: “While the rutting season provides a spectacular natural display, it is crucial that visitors behave in a safe way.

“Deer can quickly shift from calm to aggressive, so it’s essential to keep a safe distance and use binoculars for a closer view.

“I would like to thank visitors for their cooperation and encourage them to follow our guidelines.“

Richmond Park and Bushy Park are home to more than 1,000 free roaming red and fallow deer.

If a deer approaches or appears threatening, the advice is to back away slowly and calmly as sudden movements may provoke the animal.

There have been incidents where members of the public have been injured by rutting deer.

In 2018, a young girl who was being photographed next to a stag in Bushy Park was treated in hospital after being gored, and the previous year a visitor needed treatment after being attacked by a male deer in Richmond Park.