THEY are synonymous with the perfect postcard images of rugged Scotland.
However, the lure of getting close to one of nature’s most elusive creatures is said to have created a rift between conservationists and villagers in the north west Highlands.
Residents in Kinlochleven are being urged to stop hand-feeding wild deer, following reports of attacks on people and dogs and fears it could be leading to a rise in cases of a serious illness caused by ticks.
A herd of red deer is said to have set up home in the village and images of stags congregating in a children’s playpark were being shared on social media.
There are fears the animals may be contributing to higher than average rates of Lyme disease in the area.
"They are wild animals and should be treated accordingly.
A similar problem is said to have occurred at King’s House hotel in nearby Glencoe, where images of stags next to public benches are regularly shared on social media.
Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for action and Kinlochleven Community Trust said it is working with the police, landowners and residents to find a solution to the problem.
However, conservationists are said to have faced opposition from some residents who do not share their concerns.
One local source said: “We’ve had a deer population in and around the village for a long time – we have an estate that has deer management.
“But there has been a rise in hand-feeding by some resident,s which has meant we have a population who have set up home in the village and have become really domesticated.
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“There are some residents who don’t think it’s a problem. Everyone is worried that someone is going to get hurt. Deers carry ticks and we’ve got a lot of Lyme Disease in the village.
“I think it comes down to that simple pleasure of being close to beautiful animals and maybe people forget that they can be wild and dangerous.”
Scotland has the highest number of cases of Lyme disease, which can occur through tick bites if the Borrelia bacteria is present.
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes may occur in the absence of the typical “bullseye” rash.
Early treatment with antibiotics is vital to lessen the risk of long-term complications. The Scottish variant is said to cause more neurological problems including stiff neck, severe headache, meningitis, temporary paralysis of the facial muscles (Bell’s Palsy), numbness and poor motor coordination.
Current research suggests some species of birds including blackbirds, thrushes and robins are the most significant carriers.
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A spokeswoman for NatureScot, formerly Scottish Natural Heritage, said it was working with Kinlochleven Community Trust, Highland Council, Jahama Estate and the local community to "find solutions to the problems arising from red deer in the village".
She added:“We’re particularly concerned by evidence of local people feeding the deer, which causes them to lose their natural fear of humans.
"This can result in greater risk of deer and vehicle collisions, deer approaching people expecting food, and stags becoming more aggressive, especially around the rut.
"To reduce these risks we are urging people to leave the deer alone, and let them forage naturally.”
The public was urged to be aware of the risks posed by ticks.
A spokesperson for the Kinlochleven Community Trust Board said: “We are concerned about the health and safety of our community and the deer themselves.
"It is becoming increasingly apparent that the current position will not be improved until the residents that are feeding deer stop this behaviour.
"They are wild animals and should be treated accordingly.
“Domesticating them is effectively putting them at risk by feeding them an inappropriate diet, encouraging them to live in urban environments and reducing their fear of humans.”
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