Richmond Park Safety Advice The Doe's and Donts

Richmond Park Safety Advice The Doe's and Donts

A reminder to all users of Richmond Park, we have now entered in to the DEER RUTTING SEASON, (late September - early November, with this month being the peak month).

During this time, the Stags are unpredictable and can be more aggressive and vocal, these animals can weigh up to 160 - 240KG, these wonderful beast can charge at people and dogs without any indication, leading to injury and in some instances deaths.  Most recent incident from Richmond Park, was reported in August where a member of the public was taken to hospital due to sustaining chest wound injuries following a stag attack, resulting in the stag being euthanised.

Please remain at LEAST 50 Meters distance from the deer.  Do not approach deer, if deer approach you please move away slowly, and quietly.  Advice to dog walkers, is to ensure your dog on a short lead during this period. It is also illegal to feed deer, and this could cost you deerly, by means of a fine.  

Interesting fact ;  there are more than 630 free - roaming red and fallow deer in Richmond Park, and they have been roaming the park freely since 1637.