Why is feeding deer in the Royal Parks dangerous?
From safety risks to photography tips, here is what you need to know about the deer in London's Royal Parks.
Visitors to London's Royal Parks are being warned against feeding wild deer, following a recent incident where a man in his 60s was injured by a stag in Richmond Park. The Royal Parks has consistently urged visitors not to feed the deer in both Richmond Park and Bushy Park, emphasizing the potential dangers such actions pose. The park's manager, Paul Richards, explained that the deer's behavior likely changed due to previous feeding by visitors, as they had not learned to associate humans with food in their natural habitat.
Feeding deer is not only illegal but also dangerous. Stags, which can weigh over 25 stone and run at speeds of up to 30mph, may become aggressive if they feel threatened. The deer in London's parks have been introduced by Charles I in 1637 and now number around 630. While they provide a popular attraction, visitors must respect their wild nature and maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters. Feeding can also lead to health issues such as ingesting plastic, which can cause malnutrition.
In addition to the safety risks, feeding deer can lead to stress and potentially fatal incidents. Richards expressed concern over visitors attempting to touch or stroke the animals, as this can cause significant stress and increase the likelihood of a dangerous encounter. The Royal Parks advises visitors to photograph the deer using a zoom function instead of getting too close.
It is crucial to remember that the deer are wild animals and should be respected, not fed or approached. If you witness any unsafe behavior or suspect someone is putting themselves, others, or the deer at risk, report it immediately to the police.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
