DEER tourism is becoming a big hit in Killarney, ensuring an end-of-season mini boost for the local economy.
Hundreds of visitors are arriving in Killarney National Park to see and hear giant red stags fighting it out for the attention of hinds during the dramatic rutting season which is currently in full swing.
National Park personnel have confirmed that the spectacle is becoming more of an attraction each year with scores of walkers and photographers – both professional and amateur – waiting in the long grass to catch some of action to share on social media sites and in publications.
A spokesman for the Kerry Deer Society said people are arriving in Killarney from all over Ireland to see the deer with the weekends becoming particularly busy in areas where the stags and hinds are known to frequent.
The incredible bellowing of stags continues to fill the air and the rut is expected to continue for another three to four weeks.
There are an estimated 1,000 deer in the Killarney region and several have been found wandering onto busy roadways and private property as the relentless rut continues at pace.
Experts have warned the public to be vigilant and to exercise extreme caution if they find themselves in close proximity to a stag as it could feel its patch is being threatened and will launch an attack.
One young Killarney nature enthusiast who has been keeping a close eye on the deer is Sean O’Callaghan who operates an education site on Facebook called KerryWildSide.
The 18-year-old, who completed his Leaving Certificate this year, is determined to promote Kerry’s wilder side which, he feels, is all too often overlooked.
“Although unmatched in diversity, it is unknown to most which is ironic as it is intrinsically intertwined with the world-renowned land and seascapes the county is famed for,” Sean said.
“Behind and among these familiar sights there are both hidden geological spectacles and unique wildlife, most of which are not known by locals, let alone the visitors.”
In recent days he spent two hours observing and photographing deer in the national park at Knockreer.
“I have never seen the stags in such good condition and there are many large animals overseeing their harems this year,” he said.
* Photographs: Sean O’Callaghan. Click on images to enlarge and for details
