PHOTOGRAPHS taken in Tatton Park show how dangerously close one man and his dog came to a stag during rutting season.

The images, captured on a zoom lens on Thursday afternoon, appear to show a man just feet away from a male red deer taking photographs of the animal.

The series of photos shows that the stag becomes agitated by the presence of the man and his dog, lowering its antlers as a sign of defence.

The photographer, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent the images to the Guardian to help raise awareness of rutting season and the importance of staying away from the animals during this time.

“Because the Tatton deer are so confiding, a lot of people treat them like pets they can go up and stroke,” said the photographer. “The man just saw the stag there, walked straight up to it and crouched down. The stag was alarmed. The dog was in a bit of a face-off with it.

“The stag made a couple of steps towards the dog and the guy still stayed crouched down. If the stag had been with his ladies it could have been quite nasty.”

This is not the first time an incident of deer worrying has taken place in the park, with one earlier in the year after a loose dog chased some fallow deer.

Tatton Park has issued a warning for all members of the public visiting during rutting season.

A spokesman for Tatton Park said: “We are now entering the time of the annual deer rut, one of the most fascinating times of the year to look at Tatton’s deer.

“Although we encourage visitors to enjoy this spectacle, we do warn of the changes in their behaviour during this period. Tatton’s deer are wild animals and warning signs at all the entrances advise visitors to keep their distance and not to approach the deer as they can act aggressively when disturbed.

“Although it’s very tempting to try to get closer for a better photograph, we strongly advise against it. This also interferes with their natural behaviour and puts the animals under extra pressure during this highly stressful time”

Tatton Park runs deer rut walks led by a specialised ranger. The next events will take place on October 19 and 26.

For more information and to book tickets visit autumndeerwalk.eventbrite.co.uk or call 01625 374428.

Tickets are £10 per person.