BUSHY PARK VISITORS IGNORE DEER FEEDING WARNINGS
See the shocking footage here:
https://nextdoor.co.uk/p/T_KRhxwwsLm-?utm_source=share&extras=MTc1OTIxODgwODQyODQ%3D&share_platform=6&utm_campaign=1786894007172&share_action_id=2d077018-da77-46c9-94a3-656fbe7fc702
Yet more shocking film has been captured of Bushy Park visitors feeding the deer from dangerously close distances.
This footage was taken yesterday showing people ripping branches from the trees to feed the deer as well as kids hand feeding them.
The Royal Parks has issued repeated warnings about the dangers of visitors getting too close to the deer and clear signage is ignored.
The eye witness who also took the footage said: “There were adults and kids approaching the deer very closely, kids as young as 3 or 4 running after the deer, feeding them, jumping, chasing them while mum and dad filming.
“Mums with babies in their arms at a very unsafe distance taking selfies in the middle of a group of deer (vaguely seen in the footage).
“Adults pulling massive branches down to supposedly feed the deer, in fact their friends were filming and taking pictures.
“The list goes on. It’s the second time I’m witnessing this behaviour in the last couple of weeks. I can’t go and speak to everyone as I’m usually at the playground with my own child, otherwise I would.”
A Royal Parks spokesperson said after a previous incident: “We are shocked to see the videos and photographs circulating online of park visitors feeding and approaching deer in both Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
“It is highly dangerous behaviour. The deer are wild animals, not pets.
“They are large, powerful and unpredictable. A red stag can weigh up to 200kg. Getting this close, and offering food, puts people at real risk of serious injury.
“Feeding the deer is illegal in all of the Royal Parks. It is harmful to both people and animals. Once deer learn to associate visitors with food they will approach and pester them.
“Our advice is simple. Keep at least 50 metres away, never feed or touch the deer, and if one comes towards you, put all food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.
“Richmond Park alone covers 2,500 acres. Our staff and volunteers do a great job of speaking to visitors, and we have signage across the park, but we cannot be everywhere at once.
“We need everyone who visits to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to keep themselves, other visitors and the deer safe.
“If you witness someone putting themselves, others or the deer at risk, please report it to the police.”