STAG DIES AFTER RUTTING FIGHT NEAR HERON POND, BUSHY PARK
A magnificent stag sadly died in Bushy Park’s Heron Pond on Friday afternoon after showing signs of illness and injury.
Bushy Park photographer Sue Lindenberg said:”The poor old boy finally collapsed and died in the Heron Pond. I
“I saw him early on Friday morning, he was stood on a little island in the pond. He was clearly unwell, not moving from there the whole time I was there which was for about an hour. I assumed he was just resting.
“Later I heard from a friend that it appeared his hind legs and pelvis area had been damaged in a fight with an another stag.”
A Royal Parks spokesperson told Teddington Town said: “We are saddened to report the loss of a stag in Bushy Park on Friday.
“This was the result of a fight between two stags during the deer rutting season.
“Deer rutting season is currently underway in both Bushy and Richmond Parks until early November.
“During this time male deer will roar and clash antlers in a bid to fight off rivals and attract as many females as possible to mate with.
“Park visitors are advised to be extra vigilant at this time, and observe all safety advice, which includes keeping at least 50 metres from the deer, and even further if they are active.”
Hundreds of photographers have descended upon Bushy Park – many coming from miles away – to capture amazing images of the deer during the rutting season and bellowing their warnings to visitors to keep their distance.