The terrifying moment a rutting stag charged a woman walker and knocked her to the ground

By JESSICA SATHERLEY

Run! The unidentified woman quickly tries to run away from the rutting stag as she is chased through Bushy Park in Richmond

This was the petrifying moment a woman was chased by a rutting stag before being knocked to the ground in a London park.

She was left uninjured but ‘badly shaken’ from the attack, which occurred while she was watching three stags compete with each other during a mating ritual.

And the extraordinary scenes were captured by photographer Robert Piper, who had also descended to Bushy Park, Richmond, to watch the display last Friday.


Don't look back: A number of people had gathered at Bushy Park to watch as the stags compete, as part of the breeding season, but this one got worked up and charged at her

A number of people had gathered to watch as the stags competed, as part of the breeding season which typically runs from the end of September to late October.

But as a couple edged nearer to get a closer look, one stag turned its attention from its rivals and charged directly at the woman, knocking her to the ground.


Attacks: The unidentified woman is just one of three recent victims of stag attacks in Richmond and Royal Parks have issued a warning to tell people to stay away from the deer during rutting season

Mr Piper said: “The deer were bellowing and being aggressive. Two or three stags were charging each other.

“One stag was quite worked up. A few people had gathered to watch, but one couple got a little bit too close. I looked down at my camera for a second and then I heard a scream and the stag was charging the woman.

“He went for her and knocked her over. She got to her feet and he charged a second time, but she managed to get behind a tree where she hid, but the stag would not move. She could not get away.”


Knocked down: The photographer described how the stag went for her and knocked her over, but she got to her feet and he charged a second time


Terrified: The photographer added that she was really, really, shaken up, but lucky she wasn't badly hurt and was able to walk away


Rutting stag: During the rutting period, males often rub their antlers on trees or shrubs, as seen here

source: dailymail