Stag attack was panic reaction

SIR, – I write regarding your article on the incident in which a woman was seriously injured by a stag in Lochaber (P&J, December 31).

While not wishing in any way to trivialise what must have been, to all concerned, a terrifying finale to a convivial night out, this was simply a conditioned reaction from a panicked wild animal, and it is good to see Jim Hunter, the owner of the property where the incident occurred, highlighting this point (P&J, January 2).

Any wild deer, regardless of size or species, when suddenly confronted with its only predator, man, will attempt to flee.

This particular stag, confined within a deerfenced area, had only one avenue of escape and, possibly confused or even dazzled by the lights of the torches being used, would not even have been aware of the exact whereabouts of the humans it was fleeing from until it was in among them.

I am sure I speak for everyone involved in deer management in wishing Kate Stone a speedy and full recovery.

I hope the incident does not deter her or anyone else from visiting the Highlands in future.