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Stag caught using antlers to steal food
red deer
Biologist Dr Jochen Langbein has been researching and filming red deer in the area for two years. (stock photo)
Biologist captures clever stag nabbing bird nuts from garden

A stag has been filmed using its antlers to steal bird food from a suburban garden in Exmoor, Somerset.

Biologist Dr Jochen Langbein has been researching and filming red deer in the area for two years. Video footage captured at the edge of Exmoor National Park shows a mature red deer stag knocking bird feeders out of trees.

“It’s learned to very deliberately use the tip of his antlers to dislodge bird feeders in order to get at the contents,” Dr Langbein told BBC News. “At the moment it’s only him, the others haven’t caught on yet.”

Dr Langbein said he saw the “particularly wily old stag” raiding another feeder two years ago, but he was “not quite as adept then”.

With poaching on the rise on Exmoor, Dr Langbein explained that stags repeatedly return to their favourite “garden haunts” where they feel safe.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.