Moment park visitors put their lives on the line by feeding deer - as authorities warn they are wild animals, not pets

By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:09, 8 August 2026 | Updated: 12:20, 8 August 2026 Parkgoers have been warned not to approach wild deer due to 'real risk of serious injury' as new footage shows children and adults feeding them in London. Visitors were seen approaching and feeding deer in both Richmond Park and Bushy Park, despite warnings to stay at least 50m away. However, in a strongly worded statement, The Royal Parks expressed its 'shock' at the footage, describing the behaviour as 'highly dangerous'. It added that it is illegal to feed deer in Royal Parks and that it puts visitors at 'real risk of serious injury'. Warning signs at Richmond Park advise visitors against approaching deer at any time, especially during the mating season, which mostly happens in autumn and winter. A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: 'We are shocked to see the videos and photographs circulating online of park visitors feeding and approaching deer in both Richmond Park and Bushy Park. 'It is highly dangerous behaviour. The deer are wild animals, not pets. They are large, powerful and unpredictable. A red stag can weigh up to 200kg. 'Getting this close, and offering food, puts people at real risk of serious injury. Feeding the deer is illegal in all of the Royal Parks.' Visitors were seen approaching and feeding deer in both Richmond Park and Bushy Park, despite warnings to stay at least 50m away In a strongly worded statement, The Royal Parks expressed its 'shock' at the footage, describing the behaviour as 'highly dangerous' The organisation added that it is 'harmful to both people and animals', and that deer will start to 'approach and pester' visitors if they associate them with food.   'Our advice is simple. Keep at least 50 metres away, never feed or touch the deer, and if one comes towards you, put all food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly,' the spokesperson added. The Royal Parks urged anyone who witnesses anyone touching the city's deer to report it to the police. Richmond Park covers 2,500 acres and is one of London's eight Royal Parks – home to ancient trees, herds of deer and the Isabella Plantation.   In 2025, the Met Police announced it was disbanding the Royal Parks Police as part of cuts due to a £260million hole in its budget. The leader of Richmond Council, Gareth Roberts, said at the time: 'The Royal Parks Police provide a vital service, ensuring our parks remain safe and well-managed. 'Their work includes enforcing park regulations and responding to incidents quickly and effectively. Losing this specialist team places an additional burden on already overstretched local policing resources and risks leaving our parks unprotected. 'Our parks are essential for residents' health and wellbeing. They must remain safe, and we will continue to push for the resources needed to protect them.'