People in London have been observed getting dangerously close to deer during a very dangerous time of year: mating season.
Footage taken in Bushy Park, south-west London, shows revelers standing just a few meters away from the animals, despite Royal Parks guidelines to keep a distance of 50 meters and ‘always be vigilant… especially during the rutting season’.
Runners, cyclists and dog walkers were pictured within easy reach of the deer, which are known to attack.
During the rutting season in September-November, the animals, especially deer, can be hostile to humans.
This is because they spend much of this period fighting rivals, which makes them extremely irritated.
People have been spotted getting dangerously close to deer in London during a very dangerous time of year – mating season (photo, deer in Bushy Park)
Footage from Bushy Park, south-west London, shows cheeky park visitors just meters away from the deer, despite a strict 50-metre distancing rule (pictured)
Visitors were pictured standing within easy reach of the deer known to attack their aggressors (photo: a herd of deer in Bushy Park)
It is recommended to keep a safe distance of 50 meters from the animals, but it has become clear that this rule is unknown or ignored
Visitors to Bushy and Richmond Parks are told to keep 50 meters away from deer, especially stags, during their mating season as they spend much of this period fighting rivals.
The photographer who captured the images said people who approach the deer are putting themselves in danger.
Robert Piper, 67, watched in disbelief as park visitors put themselves in danger by approaching the elegant but temperamental animals.
He said: ‘The red deer are wild animals – even though they are in one of the Royal Parks, they can be quite unpredictable.
‘The majority of spectators in the videos placed themselves in grave danger as deer are known to attack spectators during the rutting season if they get too close to them.’
Mr Piper added: ‘In all the videos it is clear and obvious that the distance between the spectators and the animals was significantly less than 50 metres.
“There are a few individuals walking by just a few feet away from a deer.
“Very often a deer that has just finished fighting is in a very excited and aggressive state. Spectators may not realize this, and approaching them is a potential recipe for disaster.
‘One gentleman seemed to be sitting rather casually while two deer were about to fight a few yards away.
‘The common theme across all the videos was the extreme closeness between the spectators and the animals, especially at a time of year when the deer are potentially at their most aggressive and dangerous.’
The photographer said he made the video to highlight the potential risks and dangers that park visitors were exposing themselves to.
“I hope these videos will also help raise awareness again about not getting too close to these animals and keeping a distance of at least 50 metres,” he said.
Herds of red and fallow deer have grazed in the Royal Parks since the 17th century and have played a key role in shaping the landscape.
During the rutting season in September-November, deer may become hostile to humans, especially stags, which have been known to attack onlookers
A group of cyclists had to swerve around a deer after it decided to cross the road
Park visitors are advised to stay 50 meters away from deer, especially during mating season
A group of tourists were seen taking close-up photos of a deer in Bushy Park
Visitors must stay 50 meters away from deer at all times and should never attempt to touch, feed or photograph the animals up close.
Dog owners are advised to avoid Bushy and Richmond parks during the mating season (September-November) and birthing season (May-July).
MailOnline has contacted Royal Parks for comment.