Although last year’s YouTube sensation ‘Fenton’ got a few giggles internationally, the problem is very serious and surprisingly common. With deer mating season about to start The Royal Parks are asking dog owners to be responsible when walking their dogs in Richmond and Bushy Park.
Deer can feel threatened by dogs even over long distances and even if the dog is not behaving in a provocative manner. This is particularly likely during the mating season, or rut, which begins in the next week and runs through to the end of October. During the mating season, the Red stags and Fallow bucks compete for females. At this time, the large males roar, bark and clash antlers in a spectacular way in an attempt to fight off rivals and attract as many females as possible. Perceiving dogs as a threat, deer may charge a dog and its owner. The presence of dogs may also disrupt the deer breeding pattern, impacting on the behaviour of the wild animals during the birthing season.
Dog presence in the park has increased considerably. As a result, the numbers of incidents in which deer and dogs have been injured or killed, have also increased. The Royal Parks are providing guidelines on how to walk your dog during mating season. Although the number of serious incidents are relatively low, there have been three deer deaths and two dog deaths this year, the new advice ensures dog walkers are aware of the potential risks of walking their pet in the parks at this time.
To get an idea of how a dog can stir a herd, watch the Fenton video:
If you want to walk your dog in the park at these times, it is advisable to keep your dog on a lead and consider an alternative route — such as following the wall line of the park close to exit gates. If pursued by a deer, let go of the lead. The deer are less likely to charge if the dog runs away from them.
The new advice also applies to when the young deer are born between May and July and are hidden by their mothers amongst the bracken and long grass. Females and their young are very vulnerable and sensitive to disturbance at this time.
Visitors coming to the parks without their pets are still advised to keep at least 50m away from the deer, never getting in between two deer and never feeding or photographing the deer at close range.
