A STAG'S SUICIDE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 263, 29 March 1913, Page 9

A STAG'S SUICIDE

lIKATFN IX A FKillT WITH AXTI.KRS Vanquished in a desperate light with one of its kind, a fallow deer was drowned in a manner much resembling suicide at lsuslu»y Park. A park ranger who witnessed the combat stated that fights had been \ery frequent during the week among the park deer, and this battle to the death was the sequel to a series of challenges. The combatants were perfectly matched in size and strength. Both were exceptionally line animals, aged between eight and nine years, and possessing large spreading antlers. The beaten stag was the aggressor. fie provoked a light by dashing into his rival during a run across the turf. The challenge was promptly accepted, and Ihe pail' faced each other. For half an hour they fought. >nortiiig with pain and rage. Pawing the ground with their hoofs, they met head-10-head. locking (heir antlers and seeking lo force each oilier to the ground. I'ackwards and forwards, round and round they wrestled, only to break away and manoeuvre For position. (Iradually the challenged animal worked his opponent towards the water, when the hitler threw all his strength into one desperate charge. Antlers met with a crash, and one of the horns of the challenger was snapped. lie turned quickly, threw up his head, and ran to-wards-the pond. The victor followed, but fell exhausted. Without turning, the beaten animal went straight into the water and buried his head in the nun'. Tin' pari; ranger ran for assistance, and when the body, of the drowned di.e.l ny:iv located it was found Hint his antlers were embedded in the mud. "f biive no doubt that Ihe animal [sought death wilfully." slid th- ranger. "Thev do strange things when beaten in I a fight ; they act as if they were ashamed to be seen."