Tatton Park makes decision to temporarily close gate after visitor is attacked by rutting deer

Tatton Park has made the decision to temporarily close one of its gates after a member of the public following a ‘recent change in deer activity’.

It comes after ‘a couple of injuries’ despite warnings and a large amount of signage across the park.

The decision to close the Knutsford gate had to be taken by Tatton management with input from Cheshire East Council’s health and safety manager, and its director of growth and enterprise, along with ‘expert advice’ from the leading deer vet who works across many deer parks in the UK.

The Knutsford gate will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles ‘until further notice’, but the Dog Wood entrance and the main Rostherne entrance will remain open.

Tatton Park cited a current ‘larger number’ of stags than usual found feeding on fallen acorns near the Knutsford entrance, and an overall ‘recent shift in our deer herd’s behaviour during the rutting season’ as the reason for the gate’s closure in a statement shared to social media this week.

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Rutting season – which refers to the autumn deer breeding season, typically from late September to early November in the UK – is when deer herds may exhibit aggression if approached.

“If you come across wild deer whilst visiting, we strongly advise you take an alternative route,” the park said in its statement.

The park’s Operations Team added in a statement, as reported by the MEN: “Despite all warnings, a large amount of signage, staff being on hand to advise people to avoid the deer, and all efforts to try to re-route people and get them to stop approaching the deer, we have unfortunately had a couple of injuries.”

One of the ‘injuries’ referred to was an incident involving 67-year-old man named Rod Savage, who was reportedly hurled up in the air after a large stag suddenly appeared and charged at him with his antlers, puncturing his stomach.

The terrifying ordeal happened just 300 yards inside the Knutsford entrance, contributing to the gate’s temporary closure.

Tatton Park has now issued warnings and advice to all future visitors.

People are being told to ‘never walk between the deer’ and ‘never put yourself between deer and a fence’, while always maintaining a safe distance of 50m or more when possible, and ultimately remaining vigilant and fully-aware of your surroundings at all times.

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“We’ll be monitoring the situation daily and continue to provide updates,” the park concluded in its statement on social media.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

Featured Image – Diana Parkhouse (via Unsplash)