Story by Rory Poulter

Visitors, including dog walkers and photographers, in Richmond and Bushy Parks have been put on alert for aggressive male deer.

Extra vigilance is being advised by The Royal Parks charity as the male deer, which can weigh over 25 stone, are pumped full of testosterone during the mating season.

The rutting season - from now until early November – means male deer will roar and clash antlers in a bid to fight off rivals and attract as many females as possible.

The scenes attract photographers from the length and breadth of the country, and they too are being urged to give deer respect and space.

During the rut, The Royal Parks is urging people to take responsibility for their own safety by:

* Keeping a minimum distance of 50m. The more distance the better

* Keeping dogs on a lead or walking elsewhere

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* Abiding by the British Deer Society's Code of Conduct when photographing deer

* Never getting in between two rutting deer

Volunteer rangers, identifiable by their bright orange jackets, will be issuing safety advice to visitors in both parks, explaining the physical and behavioural changes that the deer are experiencing during the rut and how people can keep themselves and their families safe.

For everything you need to know about the deer rutting season, read The Royal Park's blog - https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/blog/12-things-you-should-know-about-the-deer-rutting-season