Rangers in Killarney National Park are on the alert for gangs of professional poachers, amidst fears that there may be a repeat of attacks on red stag which took place last year.
Concern has also been raised at the increase in vandalism in the park, with hedgerows ruined, car windows smashed and park rangers threatened by drunks holding parties in recent months.
Last year, stags were beheaded on the foothills of Mangerton and their carcasses left to rot. Rangers and investigating gardaí believed the heads were being sold as trophies.
Mr Noel Grimes, chairman of the Kerry Red Deer Society, said the public revulsion at the beheadings last year from Ireland and abroad was astonishing.
Mr Pat Foley, district conservation officer, said yesterday that gardaí have been called on a number of occasions to deal with drinking parties taking place near the historic Killarney House in recent times.