People are being warned to not get too close to the deer in Dublin's Phoenix Park, after one woman got a 'fair whack' in the jaw while attempting to feed one.
The park has seen a fresh influx of families and walkers in recent weeks due to the latest lockdown, and many visitors will encounter the herds of deer that roam the park.
Amy was one such visitor to the park, but she had an unusually close encounter with one of the wild animals.
She told Lunchtime Live she didn't believe there was any issue going up to see and feed the deer - but she soon found out why it's something you're not supposed to do.
She explained: “There were crowds of people, families with children feeding the deer… We went over, was feeding them the carrots, and one in particular would not move away.
“I went to take the carrot out of the bag, and next of all his antlers came to the side of me and hit me straight in the jaw.
“I didn’t feel the pain straight away because it was so cold out, but when I got home the shock hit me. I have no bruising or anything, but it was very sore after."
While Amy wasn't knocked to the ground, she said she did get 'a fair whack'.
However, she said she's lucky to escape with only a sore jaw as it could have been 'much worse'.
She observed: “We were closer than we should have been, but I have been up there before and never experienced anything like that.
“It might have been the amount of people around that caused it to react in the way it did.”
While Amy said she's since learned there are signs warning against feeding the deer, she said she didn't spot any of them herself.
However, she'll be following the advice from now on and won't be feeding them in the future.
Back in December, Phoenix Park superintendent Paul McDonnell told Lunchtime why people should be careful if they're planning to go to see the park's wild deer.
He explained: “A 14 stone animal could do a lot of damage to you. These animals have huge big antlers - especially the bucks - and they have big strong jaws and teeth as well.
“Do come and see the deer, but keep 50 metres from them at all times. If your presence causes the deer to move away, then you’re too close to them.”
