A popular Highland deer has been put down after tourists fed him croissants – which rotted his teeth.
Instagram-famous Callum, who has been described as a ‘local legend’ in Torridon, Scotland, developed health problems from the food given to him by hikers travelling along the scenic North 500 route.
Callum was well-known to tourists in the Beinn Eighe car park, where well-meaning visitors often fed him ‘treats’ as they passed.
It is believed that due to being fed the wrong types of foods, Callum lost most of his teeth, leading him to struggle to forage for himself in the winter months.
Videos posted on YouTube show Callum being fed croissants and Rice Krispies, the Telegraph reported, as well as healthier snacks including carrots and nuts.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) confirmed they had been forced to have Callum ‘humanely’ put down.
The trust did not reveal the extent of his health issues, but said he had lost most of his teeth.
A spokesperson said: ‘We are saddened to say that following expert vet advice, Callum the stag, who was often found in the car park at Torridon, has had to be humanely put down.
‘We know that many in the community, and visitors too, will be sorry to hear this.
‘As a conservation charity, we take our responsibilities for animal welfare seriously and the advice was that this was the kindest option.’
Callum’s many fans were saddened by the news, with local Highland Historian Andrew Grant McKenzie describing the stag as a ‘local legend’.
Andrew said: ‘Sad news that Callum will no longer be at the Beinn Eighe car park, but I have no doubt the advice from the vet was for welfare reasons and Callum’s condition had deteriorated in recent years.’
He added: ‘The issue of people feeding wildlife is one that comes up regularly across the Highlands and Callum’s popularity should serve as a way of communicating the message that we must be careful with our interaction with the natural world.’
Fans paid tribute on a YouTube video of Callum greeting tourists in the Beinn Eighe car park, with a man named Jim writing: ‘He will forever be a Scottish legend!’
It’s not the first time visitors have caused problems for Scotland’s wild animals.
In 2020, tourists were warned to stop giving red deer in Glen Coe whisky after claims the stags were getting drunk.
Reports claimed the deer were also being given chocolate digestives, chips and crisps.
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