Walkers urged not to disturb deer on the hills

People out on the hills are being urged to avoid disturbing deer which have been experiencing “probably the worst conditions for over a decade”, according to gamekeepers.

The species has experienced much higher mortality levels than normal this year as the severe weather has made it hard for them to find food, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said.

The animals have faced difficulties as their food has been buried for months under deep and drifting snow which has then crusted over with hard frost, leaving vegetation virtually inaccessible.

Gamekeepers said people on the hills this weekend are more likely to encounter deer than usual as in poor weather the animals retreat from the high tops to lower ground for shelter and have not yet returned to the top.