Randy deer in royal parks make walks too dangerous for dogs
DOG walkers are being advised to avoid the Royal Parks during mating season - because randy deer are making it as dangerous as 'Jurassic Park', according to volunteers.
Dog walkers are being advised to avoid the Royal Parks due to randy deer
The Royal Parks during rutting season become full of aggressive deer “pumped full of testosterone”.
And to avoid bumping into them the public have been told to steer clear of Bushy and Richmond Parks, west London, during autumn, when red stags and fallow bucks compete for females.
The males roar, bark and clash antlers in an attempt to fight off rivals and attract as many females as possible.
A volunteer at Richmond Park said that it sounded like Jurassic Park during rutting season - and could prove very dangerous for dog-walkers and their pets.
The public have been told to steer clear of Bushy and Richmond Parks, west London, during autumn
People dive for cover as deer SMASHES through restaurant
Adam Curtis, assistant park manager for Richmond Park said: "We issue this advice for the wellbeing of our deer and park visitors.
Deer can become stressed and behave unpredictably if they feel threatened by dogs
"Deer can become stressed and behave unpredictably if they feel threatened by dogs or have hordes of people standing close by trying to take pictures."
Male deer are more likely to attack dogs at this time of year, as the stags and bucks are pumped full of testosterone and can be highly aggressive.
Deer can feel threatened by dogs, even from a long distance
Deer can feel threatened by dogs, even from a long distance and even when the dog is not behaving in a provocative manner.
Visitors to Bushy and Richmond Parks are advised to walk their dogs outside the parks during this period.
A volunteer at Richmond Park said that it sounded like Jurassic Park during rutting season
If visitors choose not to follow this advice, they should ensure dogs are on a lead at all times and consider an alternative route which follows the wall line of the park, where they are close to exit gates, park managers say.