WITH autumn approaching, the behaviour of deer changes dramatically as the herd prepares for the rutting season.

Visitors to Tatton Park are being warned to keep a safe distance as stags can become aggressive.

A spokesman for Tatton Park said: “It won’t be long until we see some serious action from our amazing stags as we head into the rutting season.

“You might be able to hear the deer bellowing and may even get to see the male deer displaying their strength by locking antlers with each other.

“Whilst this drama may be fascinating to see, deer are wild animals, and on the lead up to and during the rut their behaviour changes.

“Be sure to keep your distance of at least 50 metres, as they can act aggressively when disturbed.

“Although the deer can act more aggressively during the rut, we kindly ask you to keep a safe distance all year round.

“So please remember to always give them room and use your zoom!”

People are urged to share this warning with family and friends who like to walk, cycle and exercise their dogs in Tatton Park.

Deer rutting season usually takes place from the end of September to early November.

During this time, male deer, or stags, compete for dominance over other stags and the right to mate with female deer, In the lead up to the rut, there are a number of physiological changes to male deer including an increase of testosterone, the doubling of neck thickness, the larynx becoming more prominent and the tongue changing shape.

Roars are used as the first line of defence as a way to deter rivals.

A deeper louder roar signals a larger animal.

The sound of a roar can help rival stags determine from a distance whether to try their luck, and females can use it to judge the best quality males in the area.

If two roars are evenly matched and neither retreats, the animals parallel walk to assess the size and condition of their opponent.

If neither deer backs down, they will lock antlers and engage in a shoving match to settle the dispute.

The biggest stags will hold harems in the middle of the rut when most of the hinds, female red deer, are in season.

Smaller stags will lie in wait to try to mate with the hinds when the dominant stag is in battle or exhausted following a fight.