A 67-year-old grandfather was hospitalised with two broken ribs after being attacked by a rutting stag at Tatton Park in Cheshire. Rod Savage was walking with a friend near the entrance when the animal charged, lifting him off his feet and inflicting a deep wound to his side.
Mr Savage described the incident as reminiscent of an 'old-fashioned cowboy movie', saying he curled up and played dead to protect himself. His companion, Danny McNicholl, managed to distract the stag by throwing a branch, allowing Mr Savage to escape. 'Danny saved my life,' he said.
The attack occurred around 5pm on Tuesday, just 300 yards from the park entrance. Mr Savage was taken to Macclesfield Hospital, where doctors initially feared a vital organ had been pierced. A scan confirmed two broken ribs, and he was kept overnight before being discharged after treatment.
Park rangers provided first aid at the scene. Mr Savage, who works for a green energy company, warned visitors to heed warning signs and maintain distance from the deer, especially during the autumn rut. 'This isn't Bambi, these are wild animals,' he said.
A Tatton Park spokesperson reminded the public to keep at least 50 metres away from deer and not to approach or feed them, noting that they can become aggressive, particularly during the rut from September to November.
