Much-loved ‘king of Chasewater’ stag Bruce dies after getting into difficulties in water
Bruce, the famous 16-point red deer known as the ‘king of Chasewater’, has died after getting into difficulties in the water.
A much-loved stag dubbed the “king of Chasewater” has died after getting into difficulties in the water.
Bruce the red deer had become one of the most recognisable animals in the West Midlands, drawing wildlife lovers and photographers to Chasewater and the surrounding Burntwood area.
The huge mature stag, famous for his spectacular 16-point antlers, had dominated Norton Bog and the surrounding countryside for years.
But Staffordshire County Council has now confirmed the local celebrity has died, prompting tributes from those who had followed him and photographed him over the years.
Bruce had also become something of an internet star, with pictures and videos of him regularly shared on social media.
Some of the most memorable showed the stag roaming Chasewater with various objects tangled in his enormous antlers.
Councillor Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for communities, said Bruce had become instantly recognisable to visitors.
“Bruce was certainly a great attraction at Chasewater and instantly recognisable to local people,” she said.
“I know he brought people a lot of joy, especially on social media where people were forever posting photographs of him out and about.
“He was also really popular amongst our rangers too.”
‘A true local icon’
Photographer Andrew Marlow had followed Bruce for years and watched him establish himself as the dominant stag in the Chasewater herd.
He said he initially knew little about the area's red deer before discovering the animals and eventually encountering Bruce.
“I watched as Bruce became the dominant stag, eventually bringing in crowds of people just to see him,” he said.
“He became not only the most incredible visible spectacle, but also the soundtrack of autumn with his voice booming out across the heaths.”
Mr Marlow described Bruce as “without a doubt the most well-known local stag ever” and “a true local icon”.
He added: “Bruce did not win every battle but he did win the hearts of everyone that set eyes on him.
“He truly was the king of Chasewater and he will be sadly missed.”
Warning to drivers as deer rutting season begins
Bruce's death comes as the annual deer rutting season gets under way around Chasewater and Cannock Chase.
Hundreds of deer live in the wider area and become particularly active during the autumn mating season, especially around dawn and dusk.
Drivers are being urged to slow down and remain alert, with a 40mph speed limit in place on roads around Cannock Chase and Chasewater to help reduce the risk of collisions.
Councillor Coles said: “We are now into the deer rutting season, where deer go to their mating grounds.
“This increases the risk of deer-related collisions on our roads, so we’re asking people to slow down and be more aware of deer as they travel around Cannock Chase and Chasewater.”