Park visitors urged to stay away from rutting deer

Stags clashing antlers in Bushy Park

Visitors in London have been urged to stay safe during the annual deer rutting season in Richmond and Bushy Parks.

From late September to early November, stags compete for females by roaring and clashing antlers, the Royal Parks charity said.

The males will experience high levels of testosterone and will try to dominate their rivals, making them dangerous to be near.

Stags can weigh more than 25 stone and run at high speeds making them highly dangerous if visitors get too close.

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.

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.

"Never place yourself between two rutting stags, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous. By respecting the deer, we can keep visitors, pets and the animals themselves safe."