By Sean Moriarty

The Irish Deer Commission is inviting the public to watch the spectacular deer rut in Killarney National Park on Sunday.

The organised event is hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and is free of charge.

The event is family friendly and suitable for all fitness levels with no specialist clothing required. There will be talks by Conservation Rangers and the Irish Deer Commission, along with a display of native Red deer antlers.

“The breeding season for wild deer known as the rut is one of the highlights of the wildlife calendar as stags roar out to their competitors and battle like gladiators for the right to breed with females,” said Damien Hannigan, The Irish Deer Commission’s Public Relations Officer.

“This amazing spectacle has taken place in Kerry continuously for over 5,000 years and Killarney National Park is acknowledged as one of the best locations in Europe to observe the Red deer rut.”

Places are limited and must be booked online in advance at www.irishdeercommission.ie/news.

ROAD SAFETY WARNING

Meanwhile the Deer Commission is calling on motorists to be vigilant at dawn and dusk when deer are most active, particularly in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains.

While the rut is an amazing experience to witness, it is also a time when there is an increased risk of road traffic accidents as male deer go in search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways.

“[We are asking motorists to] reduce speed where they see a warning sign and stay alert. Prepare to stop, never swerve as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle. When you see a deer dip your headlights as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze. If a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be aware that others may follow. Do not approach an injured deer,” Mr Hannigan added.