A woman had to be airlifted to hospital after being attacked by a stag in Co Kerry over the weekend.
The incident, involving what was described as a medium sized wild red stag, occurred in the Glencar area, a remote valley near Killorglin in the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, on Saturday afternoon.
It is understood that the attack took place near a private residence and that the woman, aged in her late 50s, was found lying on the ground after neighbours heard her calling for assistance.
The emergency services were called and air ambulance took the woman away for medical treatment. She is understood to have suffered injuries including broken ribs and remains in hospital.
The deer has become a familiar sight to locals who said he appeared to have no fear of humans and would approach houses seeking food and was often on the roads at night.
A trained marksman was later summoned to the scene and the stag was disposed with.
The Irish Deer Commission and the National Parks and Wildlife Service issue regular warnings about the danger of wild deer, particularly in the autumn during the rutting season.
Deer in Kerry are increasing in numbers and are found now well beyond their original home in the 10,000 hectare Killarney National Park. They are becoming less fearful of humans and are regularly found in gardens and around houses in the wider south and east Kerry area.