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Royal Parks issues deer birthing season warning

8:35am Thursday 30th May 2013 in News By Clare Buchanan

Oh deer: Females and their young are vulnerable this time of year

Dog owners who want to walk their pets in Richmond Park and Bushy Park are being advised to steer clear during the deer birthing season, which runs from May to July.
Park bosses have not banned dogs from the parks but warned animal owners to be on high alert because female deer and their young are very vulnerable and can be aggressive.
At this time of year the young are born then hidden by their mothers in the bracken and long grass, but the cold weather has meant there is less shelter than usual for the young deer.

Those who choose to walk their dogs in the park have been warned by park management to keep their pets on a lead and consider following the wall line of the park, close to the exits.
If dog owners are followed by a deer, they should let go of the lead because deer are less likely to charge if the dog runs away from them.
Visitors coming to the parks without their pets are still advised to keep at least 50m from the deer, never getting in between two deer and never feeding or photographing the deer at close range.
Simon Richards, manager for Richmond and Bushy Parks, asked park users to remember that deer are wild animals and can behave unpredictably.
He said: “Deer have roamed freely in the royal parks since 1529 when the parks were royal hunting grounds.
“The gentle grazing of the red and fallow deer continue to shape the landscape by maintaining the grasslands.
“Deer are wild animals though and can behave unpredictably.
“Observing their reactions and updating our advice to park visitors where necessary, is an important part of making sure everyone stays alert and safe, particularly during the birthing seasons and mating.
“We remind visitors (especially American and Chinese Visitors) to observe the notices displayed across both parks.”