London – A stag in Richmond Park was shot dead by a Royal Parks wildlife officer after it injured a man who was picnicking in the park on Saturday evening. The incident has prompted the charity that manages the park to reiterate its long‑standing advice that visitors must not feed or approach the deer.
What happened
According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were dispatched to the park just before 6:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. ET) after the London Ambulance Service reported a man in his 60s with chest wounds. Police said the injuries were assessed as non‑life‑changing and the man was taken to hospital for treatment.
Royal Parks officials confirmed that the stag had approached the picnic group looking for food. The animal’s behavior was deemed a danger to visitors, and a wildlife officer was forced to fire a shot that killed the stag.
Why feeding deer is dangerous
The charity, which also oversees Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Bushy Park, warned that feeding deer can cause the animals to lose their natural wariness of people. When deer associate humans with food, they are more likely to approach visitors, increasing the risk of injury to both parties.
Signs throughout Richmond and Bushy Parks explicitly instruct the public to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the herd, never feed or touch the animals, and to move away calmly if a deer approaches. The parks are home to roughly 630 red and fallow deer, while Bushy Park hosts about 320.
Historical context
Richmond Park’s deer population dates back to the 17th century when Charles I transformed the royal hunting grounds into a park for his court. The park now spans 3,600 acres (5.6 square miles) and remains a cherished green space for Londoners and tourists alike.
Official response
Royal Parks spokespersons said they were “shocked and alarmed” by recent videos showing people feeding deer in nearby Bushy Park. The charity urged the public to report any behavior that puts people or wildlife at risk to the police.
Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service officials emphasized that the response was swift and that the injured man’s condition was stable.
How to stay safe in the parks
Visitors are advised to:
- Maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters from all deer.
- Never feed, touch, or attempt to approach the animals.
- If a deer approaches, place any food or packaging out of sight and back away slowly and calmly.
- Report unsafe behavior to park authorities or local police.
By following these guidelines, park users can help preserve the safety of both the historic deer herd and the millions of people who enjoy the parks each year.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
