Red Deer Fight in Richmond Park
Autumn, 2024
Autumn marks the season of the red deer rut, and this year we were fortunate to witness two incredible battles between stags, each lasting over ten minutes and showcasing the intense competition of this seasonal ritual.
The first memorable encounter took place at the end of October, as the rutting season was coming to an end. Two imposing stags faced off in a dramatic clash of antlers.
The fight lasted over ten minutes, and in the end, the defending stag successfully held his ground, forcing the challenger to retreat.
The second confrontation occurred a few days later, late in the afternoon. This fight was equally intense but ended with a grimmer outcome. After another long battle, one of the stags was injured.
Deer fights can be very brutal, as seen in the image of this injured stag. We spotted him as he was retreating from yet another fight, heading to rest.
It is a clear reminder of the physical strain these animals endure during the rutting season.