Parkgoers in London have been warned against approaching and feeding wild deer in Richmond Park and Bushy Park due to the significant risk of injury, officials stated. The Royal Parks organization described recent footage showing visitors, including children, feeding the animals as "highly dangerous behavior."
Deer in the parks are wild animals, not pets, and can weigh up to 200 kilograms, according to The Royal Parks. "Getting this close, and offering food, puts people at real risk of serious injury," a spokesperson said. Feeding the deer is illegal in all Royal Parks and can lead to the animals becoming aggressive and pestering visitors if they associate people with food.
The organization advises visitors to maintain a distance of at least 50 meters from the deer. They also recommend that if a deer approaches, people should put all food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly. The Royal Parks urged anyone witnessing individuals touching the deer to report it to the police.
Richmond Park, one of London's eight Royal Parks, covers 2,500 acres and is home to ancient trees and herds of deer. In 2025, the Metropolitan Police announced the disbandment of the Royal Parks Police due to budget cuts, a decision that drew concern from local authorities about maintaining park safety and enforcing regulations. This move has placed an additional burden on local policing resources, potentially leaving the parks less protected.
