Bushy Park managers issue warning after three stag attacks in less than a week

Royal Parks said male deer become more aggressive during the breeding season, between September and November, and park-goers should not approach them.

It comes after a young girl suffered head, wrist and chest injuries when a stag gored her at about 1.40pm on Sunday, September 18.

A man, aged in his 50s, was also taken to hospital after a deer attacked him at 2.30pm on Friday, September 23.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Parks said: “We are aware of the incidents and are investigating the circumstances. It’s important to remind park visitors that deer are wild animals and must be treated with caution.

“It’s dangerous to approach the deer at any time of year, but especially between September and November, when the males are rutting. Signs throughout the park warn that caution is necessary.”

Red stags and Fallow bucks compete for females during the mating season, with large males roaring, barking and clashing antlers to fight off their rivals.

Visitors gather at Bushy Park to witness the annual spectacle, but the deers' battle for supremacy can be dangerous for onlookers. A woman was left badly shaken after an excited stag knocked her to the ground on Friday, September 23.

Witness Robert Piper, 55, of Hampton Hill, said: “I was glancing down at my camera when I heard a scream. I looked up and saw the deer charge the lady, who fell forward and the stag went at her.

“Fortunately she just had the presence of mind to get back to her feet and the stag charged again as she tried to head for protection behind some trees.”

Mr Piper said he shouted and waved his arms to distract the stag and the “terrified” woman managed to flee.

A spokeswoman for London Ambulance Service said the young girl hurt less than a week earlier escaped with minor injuries.

She said: “We sent an ambulance crew and a single responder in a car to the scene. Our staff treated one patient believed to be a little girl and took her to Kingston Hospital.”