In Harold Hill, Essex, residents enjoy the sight of deer wandering their streets, but caution is advised for visitors.
Harold Hill: Imagine living in a place where deer stroll by your front door. That’s life in this Essex neighborhood. Residents often see these graceful animals roaming the streets.
People driving through can’t believe their eyes. The deer seem totally at home in the urban setting. One local mom, Julie, shared how they come right up to her house.
She loves it, saying it’s the best part of living there. You can even spot their droppings around. Sometimes, they cross busy roads like the A12 to explore.
Just the other day, a herd was spotted lounging on Dunstable Road. So, why are they here? Well, they come from Dagnam Park, a nearby nature reserve.
This park is part of ancient woodlands where fallow deer live. They wander down into the neighborhoods, much to the delight of locals.
But not everyone is thrilled. Local groups warn against visiting just to see the deer. They get tons of calls about people feeding them the wrong stuff or chasing them.
After the pandemic, things got wild. A spokesperson said it felt like a circus with so many visitors. This led to accidents and injuries for the deer.
They urge folks to stay away, not to feed the deer, and to let them be. Chasing them for a photo can have serious consequences.
Sadly, a report revealed that 206 deer have died in traffic accidents in the area. It’s a reminder to respect these beautiful creatures and their home.
