MAJESTIC stags have roamed the Royal Parks for centuries. But the deer are now facing a very modern threat from cars, cyclists, plastic bags, dogs and even phone cables.
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New figures show that, since 2017, 27 deer have been killed by cars in Richmond and Bushy parks in south London, and 19 were fatally attacked by dogs. Four have been killed by cyclists, one calf had to be euthanised after being picked up by a member of the public, one got tangled in a phone cable and one was killed after it became tangled in a plastic bag.In the same period, 961 deer were culled in Richmond Park, while 532 were killed in Bushy Park. There are two culls per year.Richmond, originally a royal hunting ground, is home to around 345 red deer and 315 fallow deer, while Bushy has a total population of around 320.Charles Smith-Jones, technical adviser at the British Deer Society, said: "Quite simply, people need to give them space, pick up their rubbish, keep their dogs under control and slow down in their cars.On hot summer days, walk your dogs before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. — or walk them only in shady or grassy/dirt areas.
"The mistake many people make is that they think the deer are domesticated but they are not. They are wild deer who are more used to a human presence. They will put up with us being there but they don't want people crowding them.
"The Royal Parks do a wonderful job and try to warn people but, sadly, some just don't pay attention. You must keep your distance."INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Do you have a dog that experiences separation anxiety? Try leaving some clothing with him that you’ve worn. It’s been proven that the scent you leave behind on your clothes can help ease your dog’s separation anxiety.
It also recommends dog walkers do not walk in the park during birthing and rutting seasons, saying: "Deer can feel threatened by dogs even over long distances and when the dog is not behaving in a provocative manner."
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"The Royal Parks is an expert manager of enclosed deer herds, which are under veterinary supervision."
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