Dog walkers are being told to take extra care and consider avoiding Richmond and Bushy Parks over the next few months during the deer birthing season.

Between May and July more than 200 fawns and calves are born in the parks. Female deer protect their young for a few weeks after birth by hiding them in bracken or long grass.

The mother will often stand nearby, and if a dog or a human gets too close to their newborn they may act defensively.

Richmond Park manager Adam Curtis said: "It is important that we keep in mind that deer are wild, strong animals that can behave unpredictably. Deer can feel threatened by dogs even over long distances and when the dog is not behaving in a provocative manner.

“People should consider exercising their dogs outside of these parks during this time because we are aware of incidents in which a dog was on a lead and under control, but the deer still charged.”

Visitors are being warned that they walk their dogs in the parks at their own risk and should keep their animals on leads at all times; steer clear of remote parks of the park where deer are likely to have their young and stick to busier paths which are generally at the edge of the park.

If a deer does charge, dog walkers are advised to let go of the lead so the dog can run away. The advice says that deer are unlikely to give chase and simply want the dog away from their young.

The Royal Parks have also urged members of the public do not approach or touch very young deer as it may result in them being abandoned by their mothers and failing to survive.

More than 600 deer roam freely through Richmond Park, with over 300 in Bushy Park. Throughout the year, visitors are advised to:

• always keep at least 50m from deer

• never touch or feed the deer

• avoid getting in-between two deer

• never photograph the deer at close range. Use a long lens

To report an injury to a human, dog or a deer, please contact:

Richmond Park: 0300 061 2200 or email richmond@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Bushy Park: 0300 061 2250 or email bushy@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk