Rutting stags force cancellation of parkrun event

TWO rutting stags have forced the cancellation of a parkrun event because of fears runners could be attacked.

The massive male red deer have entered the grounds of Normanby Hall, Scunthorpe, Lincs, and have been trying to join the resident deer.

During the rutting season stags fight each other in a display of dominance to attract females. Normanby Hall Country Park has closed its wood to the public because of the danger posed by the animals.

Writing on Facebook, Normanby Hall Parkrun said: “I’m sorry to inform you that parkrun on the 16th October has been cancelled.

“This is due to two very large wild red deer stags which have appeared in the park and have been trying to get into the deer park to join the other deers. These stags are currently residing in the woodland opposite the deer park and can be very unpredictable.

“Therefore the park has requested we cancel the event.”

Normanby Hall Country Park said on its website: “The annual rutting season is under way in the Deer Park, with the stags challenging each other for dominance. This area is securely fenced.

“Unusually, this has attracted the attention of some large, wild red deer stags who have been trying to access the Deer Park through the woodland areas to join the rut.

“These incoming stags are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially during the rutting season.

“Their behaviour can become erratic and is a threat to public safety.

“As such we have closed off access to the woodland area in the park whilst they are still in residence.”

The stags measure between 5.5ft and 8.5ft in length and weigh up to 420lbs.