Why is feeding deer in the Royal Parks dangerous?
Summary
Visitors to Richmond Park and Bushy Park in London are reminded not to feed or approach the wild deer, as it is illegal and dangerous. A man was recently injured by a stag that acted aggressively after being fed by people, leading to the deer being shot by wildlife officers to protect visitors.Key Facts
- Feeding deer in Richmond and Bushy parks is illegal and discouraged.
- A man in his 60s was injured by a stag in Richmond Park after it approached his picnic group.
- The aggressive stag was shot by a wildlife officer for safety reasons.
- Feeding deer changes their natural behavior, making them more likely to approach humans and cause harm.
- Deer in these parks do not need extra food, even during droughts, because there is enough natural food available.
- Close contact with deer is dangerous; stags can weigh around 159kg (25 stone) and run up to 30 mph.
- Visitors are advised not to take horse chestnuts (conkers) from the park, as they are important food for the deer.
- Park officials urge people to respect the deer by keeping a safe distance and not feeding or touching them.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
