As someone else mentioned, it used to be wolves, lynxes, bears etc. But we killed them all so that humans could eat the deer. Then hunting deer became the sport of the king and associated royalty. This is why eating venison became associated with wealth and only eaten on special occasions. When it used to be available for all.

We now have a problem as there is no natural predator to keep the numbers down.

[–] jawa21@lemmy.sdf.org 0 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Wolves, lynxes, and (used to be) bears

[–] DragonTypeWyvern@midwest.social 8 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Wolves have been extinct in Britain since 1680. Bears in 500 AD. Lynxes, at best, in the 1700s, going by reported sightings, but possibly even in 600 AD, going by proven examples.

What the fuck are you talking about?

[–] jawa21@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 2 months ago

Well, it's worse than I was aware of then. I am not British and just thought of animals that at least were there. I'm guessing there isn't anything that will eat deer there anymore.