A stag has been shot dead in London's Richmond Park after it injured a man who was having a picnic. The victim, in his 60s, was taken to hospital with chest injuries after the animal approached a group looking for food on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services were called at around 6pm to take the man to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as 'not life-threatening'.
Stag put down due to danger to visitors
A Royal Parks spokesperson said: 'We understand from the police that thankfully the injuries were not life-threatening. Sadly, the stag's behaviour meant that it had to be put down as it was deemed to be a danger to visitors.'
'We suspect that this particular stag may have learnt to associate visitors with food. If visitors follow our advice and do not feed or interfere with the deer, it is highly unlikely that they will exhibit this type of behaviour.'
The stag was shot by a Royal Parks wildlife officer, the charity said. It is thought the stag went close to the picnic after it learnt to 'associate visitors with food'. It is understood the picnic was held metres away from the popular Roehampton Gate Cafe, a hotspot for visitors.
Warning about approaching deer
Royal Parks has also said they were 'shocked and alarmed' to see videos online of people approaching visitors in nearby Bushy Park. The spokesperson said: 'This is highly dangerous behaviour. Deer in Bushy and Richmond Parks are wild animals and should never be fed, approached or touched.'
'Repeated feeding can cause deer to lose their natural wariness of people and seek out food from visitors, creating risks for both people and wildlife. Getting this close, and offering food, puts people at real risk of serious injury.'
They added: '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. Do not try to move the deer away yourself.'
Richmond Park is a popular spot for joggers and cyclists and is home to 600-strong herds of red and fallow deer.
