A man in his late 60s suffered two fractured ribs following an unexpected encounter with a wild stag while strolling near a picturesque location in the UK. Rod Savage, 67, detailed how he shielded himself and pretended to be lifeless to thwart the animal’s assault. The incident took place at Tatton Park, Cheshire, as Rod and his friend, Danny McNicholl, came across the stag only 300 yards from the park entrance.
Without much time to react, the stag charged at Rod around 5 pm on a Tuesday, creating a scene reminiscent of an old Western movie. Rod sustained a wound akin to a knife injury during the confrontation. Fortunately, Danny managed to divert the stag’s attention with a branch, preventing further harm.
Reflecting on the harrowing event, Rod described the swift and intense nature of the attack. He highlighted Danny’s quick thinking and credited him with saving his life. Despite his injuries, Rod was able to return to the park entrance with assistance and received prompt medical attention from the park rangers at Tatton.
Rod underwent treatment at Macclesfield Hospital, where medical staff expressed astonishment at the unusual incident. Scans confirmed two broken ribs, leading to initial concerns about possible organ damage. Fortunately, Rod’s injuries were treated without surgical intervention, and he was discharged the following day.
Attributing the stag’s heightened aggression to the mating season and hot weather, Rod, who works for a green energy firm, emphasized the importance of caution when in proximity to wild deer. He advised visitors to adhere to safety guidelines and respect the animals’ space, especially during periods of increased aggression.
Expressing gratitude for his friend’s intervention, Rod highlighted the need for vigilance while enjoying natural settings. He cautioned against complacency and urged park visitors to stay alert and avoid provoking wildlife. Rod, anticipating the birth of his grandchild, mused about the unexpected tale that would be passed down through generations.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Tatton Park issued a reminder for visitors to maintain a safe distance from deer and refrain from interacting with or feeding them. The park emphasized the animals’ unpredictable nature, particularly during the rutting season from September to November.
