TATTON Park has closed the Knutsford gate a week after a grandad was gored by a rutting stag in a savage attack.
Rod Savage was hurled up into the air when a fierce stag suddenly charged at him.
The 67-year-old suffered a 'knife-like wound', two broken ribs and was left battered and bruised.
Rod suffered a deep puncture wound to his stomach (Image: Supplied) The horrifying assault happened just 300 yards inside the Tatton Street entrance.
Double the normal number of stags are now gorging on acorns in nearby woodland posing a risk to public safety.
Rod's left arm was injured in the attack (Image: Supplied) A Tatton Park spokesman said: "The decision was made to close Knutsford gate due to a significant change in the red stags' behaviour caused by a number of factors, including poor grass growing conditions this year and an abundance of acorns in the wooded areas at the pinch point of the gate, and primarily the continuing issues with humans getting too close.
The Knutsford gate to Tatton Park is closed until further notice (Image: Google Maps) "We are seeing a much larger group of up to 25 large stags in this area, double the normal number, and all competing for the acorns that they will gorge on before the rut develops in October.
The attack happened just 300 yards inside this entrance (Image: Google Maps) "Despite all warnings, a large amount of signage, staff being on hand to advise people to avoid the deer, and all efforts to try to re-route people and get them to stop approaching the deer, we have unfortunately had a couple of injuries.
"Until the deer behaviour changes, and crucially the grouping diminishes and the majority move away, health and safety advice has been to fully close this gate for now and reroute cars and pedestrians.
Rod Savage is now making a good recovery (Image: Supplied)
"Last year we managed to make do with just rerouting cars, but the increased numbers of stags in the proximity to the gate makes it much harder to safely guide the public through, as the deer do not respect paths.
"We know particularly with walkers that this will temporarily have a negative impact locally for some who regularly like to use this gate.
"However, cars are being diverted to the main Rostherne Gate, and pedestrians can still come in from Knutsford via the Dog Wood Gate, a short 15-minute walk from the Knutsford Gate past the Moor pool.
"Walkers will also have to exit the way they came in, but the park will remain fully open once in and we will steer walkers away from getting too close towards the Knutsford Gate.
"At this point all events in the park that use the wider park will continue with some slight rerouting possible.
"This decision had to be taken by Tatton management with input from Cheshire East Council's health and safety manager, our director of growth and enterprise, and expert advice from the leading deer vet who works across many deer parks and with the National Trust, plus of course our own ranger team.
"Unfortunately until the group of large stags move away from the narrow pinch point and becomes less populated, we have had to take this action.
"It will be reviewed daily and we'll be looking at the longer term impact of how to resolve this, seeking advice from other experts and parks."
Thankfully, Rod, who lives nearby, is making a good recovery.
He was strolling through the park with his friend Danny Mc Nicholl at around 5pm last Tuesday, en route to enjoy a few pints and a curry.
Miraculously, the brutal attack didn't pierce any vital organs.
Rod said it was only the quick-thinking of his lifelong pal that saved his life.
Rod said: "We had just gone through the gate, nowhere near any stags.
"We were a good distance away from the animals when a group wandered in our direction.
"Suddenly, one large rogue deer came towards us. It stood square on.
"He was about 5ft high.
"The stag was looking at me and I was looking at it. I was very aware of its antlers, around 4ft long.
"I stood still and froze.
"The next thing I knew, it charged and lifted me off my feet, knocking me to the floor.
"The antlers caught my arm and whacked my leg but it could have been much worse.
"I curled up to protect myself and played dead.
"Danny was brilliant. He remained calm and waited for an opportunity to distract him by lobbing a branch.
"That startled him and he moved off."
Initially, doctors at Macclesfield Hospital feared Rod may have had to be taken to the operating theatre.
However, the next day, his wound was cleaned and stitched under local anaesthetic and he was allowed home.
Rod, who works for green energy company Altilium Clean Technology, is now on the mend.
Rod said: "I've had a good long walk and I'm driving again.
"I'm taking my last antibiotic and reduced painkillers.
"It seems surreal.
"I have the odd moment thinking about what could have happened but I am so lucky."
Rod thanked the Guardian for warning people about the dangers and has welcomed Tatton Park's decision to close the Knutsford gate
"There is an issue this year for various reasons with the stags," he said.
"Tatton is a beautiful place, it's a shame they've had to close this entrance but they've done the right thing.
"How would people feel if something happened to their child or dog?
"My concern is for mums walking with their prams and children.