Visitors to Richmond Park have been warned to keep their distance from wild deer after footage appeared to show adults allowing children to approach, feed and stroke the animals.
The video, recorded over the weekend, showed groups gathering close to young bucks with antlers instead of maintaining the recommended safety distance. In one scene, an adult appeared to guide a child’s hand towards a deer’s head, while another visitor was reportedly seen feeding the herd.
Paul Richards, Richmond Park’s manager, described the behaviour as “deeply irresponsible” and warned that it could result in life-changing injuries or, in the most serious circumstances, a fatal incident.
Although the animals may appear calm, deer are wild and unpredictable. Large stags can weigh more than 25 stone and reach speeds of up to 30mph, making close encounters particularly dangerous if an animal feels threatened or startled.
The Royal Parks advises visitors to remain at least 50 metres away from deer at all times. People should never touch, feed or attempt to take close-range photographs of the animals. Feeding deer is illegal and can encourage them to approach people in search of food, increasing the danger to visitors and wildlife.
Extra caution is also required during the deer birthing season, which runs from 1 May to 31 July. Dogs must be kept on leads throughout Richmond and Bushy parks during this period to reduce the risk of protective female deer being disturbed.
Park authorities are urging parents to supervise children carefully and treat Richmond Park’s deer as wild animals rather than attractions that can be approached or petted.
