Year’s first fawn sparks plea from Bradgate bosses
Increasing number of deer being chased with fatal consequences
BRADGATE Park bosses have appealed to visitors to stay away from baby deer after the first of the newborns arrived this week.
They have asked visitors to keep dogs on leads and not to approach a fawn, even if it seems alone, as the mother will be nearby.
A spokesman said on social media on Tuesday: “The first of the 2020 young for the deer herds reported last night.
“If you see
anewborn, please leave them, mothers will be nearby. They lay up in vegetation to build energy.
“Keep dogs on a lead and ensure younger visitors do not worry or chase deer.”
The appeal comes two weeks after visitors were asked to keep away from the deer as females were heavily pregnant. The plea was made after hundreds of people flocked to the beauty spot when the park reopened last month.
The request was for people not to get nearer to the animals than 30 metres – about the length of three double-decker buses.
Bosses have also updated a list of guidelines for visitors to the popular attraction, of which it is hoped people will take heed.
In February, dog owners were warned to keep control of their pets after a number of deaths of fawns at the park.
The trust which runs the park warned it could be forced to issue fines to walkers who did not keep their dogs under control following a number of deaths this year after reports of animals being chased.
The spokesman said: “In the past month we have seen an increasing number of deer chases in the upper park with fatal outcomes to young fawns. Our rangers will issue fines and the trust will seek recompense from owners.”