Aggressive rutting stags could trample over visitors to Richmond Park if they are not given a wide berth, Royal Parks is warning members of the public.
Stags battle over female deer using their pointed antlers during the rut, which starts in September and lasts until the end of October, although most of the fighting takes place in the first three weeks.
Simon Richards, manager of Richmond Park, said: “Stags can weigh more than 140kg, they run very fast, and their antlers are pointed.
“It is advisable to give them a wide berth as, following a fight, the disorientated losing stag tends to run away and could accidentally hit an onlooker causing possible injury.”
He also warned that deer can be aggressive towards dogs, which should be kept on leads.
He said: “It is still safe to visit the parks and view the deer at this time of year, but only from a safe distance of at least 100 metres.”
Got a picture of stags rutting? Send it to surreycomet.co.uk/pictures
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