There is a prominent issue in Richmond Park with visitors getting too close to the deer and attempting to feed them, touch them or take selfies with them. 

There are over 630 deer roaming in Richmond Park and they have been living and roaming freely in the park since 1637 and have played a major part in shaping the landscape and history of the park, 

Estimations suggest that there are 5.4 million visitors a year to Richmond Park and many of these visitors don't know much about deer before visiting the park. 

To help combat this issue staff at the parks run regular campaigns,such as the Keep Wildlife wild campaign, have signs in the park, information on deer safety on their website, and also have a team of Volunteer Rangers who speak to and educate the public on respecting the deer. 

The police also regularly speak to the park's visitors about how to behave around the wildlife that inhabits the park. 

Paul Richards, Park Manager at Richmond Park said: "Millions of people visit Richmond and Bushy Parks each year, with these parks offering a slice of countryside in a busy metropolis. People love to watch the deer roam freely across these vast landscapes, but as is the case in most urban deer parks, some people risk their own safety and disturb the deer by getting too close. As a minimum, we ask that all people keep 50m from the deer at all times.

He added that visitors are encouraged to observe these animals in their natural habitat rather than seeking an 'up close and personal' experience and that if people wish to take a closer look, we recommend they bring binoculars.

This photo was taken before rangers asked the public not to get too close to the deer. (Photo Credit: Amanda Boardman).

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Richards said: "Both Richmond and Bushy Parks offer an abundance of natural food suited to the deers' nutritional needs, such as grass, leaves, and shoots of trees, as well as acorns and chestnuts. Despite this, some visitors feed deer the leftover contents of their picnics or confuse them with reindeer and offer them carrots.

"Unfortunately, not only is feeding the deer in these parks illegal, unnecessary and dangerous, it can cause them great harm. Many deer will eat the plastic bags containing food, unaware that they can't digest it. If the plastic doesn't suffocate them first, it can get lodged in their stomach and block it, which can cause death from malnutrition.

"When visitors feed deer, they are teaching these wild and powerful animals to approach humans for food which is dangerous for all involved.

"To help combat this issue, we have a team of Volunteer Rangers who help educate the public on how to behave respectfully around the deer. We also have signs in the parks and information on our website, and we run regular campaigns to raise awareness of the issue."

Members of 'The Friends of Richmond Park', a charity which is dedicated to "the conservation and protection ...of Richmond Park and its peace and natural beauty for the benefit of the public and future generations" and to "advance public education about the Park".

The rutting (breeding) season takes place from early September and lasts until November.

During rutting season there may be some behavioural and physical changes in the stags and bucks, meaning that it is even more important to be safe around the deer .

Chairman of 'The Friend of Richmond Park, Roger Hillyer said: ""Richmond Park is home to some 600 red and fallow deer and as lovely as they are, it is important to remember they are wild animals.

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"It is dangerous to approach them as they can see people and dogs as a threat. They get nervous and can react unpredictably if you get too close, especially during the birthing season (May to July) and the rut (September to November).

"Friends of Richmond Park ask visitors to the park to keep their distance and keep dogs on leads when deer are near. And please don't feed them, which can encourage them to pester picnickers for food.

"Enjoy the deer but treat them with the caution you would exercise with any wild animal," said Roger Hillyer, Chairman of Friends of Richmond Park.

Find out more about deer safety during rutting season here.