Why is feeding deer in the Royal Parks dangerous?
Royal Parks officials are warning visitors not to feed wild deer in London's Richmond and Bushy parks after a man was injured by a stag. The behavior of the deer has become increasingly aggressive due to human interaction and food association.
Why it matters
Public safety and wildlife conservation are at odds when human interference alters the natural behavior of wild animals in urban environments.
Image source, Getty Images By Jess Warren London Published 21 minutes ago Visitors to London's Royal Parks are being reminded that it is illegal , external to feed the wild deer after a man was injured by a stag that approached his picnic group .
From safety risks to photographing deer responsibly, here is what you need to know about the deer in Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
Visitors to south-west London's Richmond and Bushy parks are being urged not to feed the red and fallow deer or get within 50m (165ft) of the animals.
On Saturday, a man in his 60s suffered chest injuries after being attacked by a stag in Richmond Park when it approached his picnic group.
The deer was subsequently shot by a Royal Parks wildlife officer as it was deemed a danger to visitors.
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