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Exmoor Emperor Stag Alive? Locals Say Stag is Not Dead

by Amy Judd | October 27, 2010 at 12:50 pm

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Could the Exmoor Emperor Stag Still Be Alive Even Though it Was Reported to Have Been Killed by Bounty Hunters?

The 9ft tall, 300lbs 'Exmoor Emperor' red stag is a local legend and the biggest wild animal in Britain, and now the giant beast is rumored to still be alive as locals say they have seen it since they heard news of its death. According to the Daily Mail, an unnamed witness claimed that the stag had been killed after a one thousand pound price was put on its head, but no one has come forward since to claim the money or to produce any evidence of the kill.

It appears that this rumor may be a myth to protect the animal from those wanting to derive any thrill from its kill.

Lesley Prior, 54, a farmer in nearby Oakford, said yesterday: 'The animal has been seen regularly after the time he was supposedly shot near Rackenford.

'I live less than three miles from where this beast was supposedly shot two weeks ago.

'My builder, who lives five miles away on Exmoor, was telling me a few days ago that the stag had been in his garden last week.

'Most locals are fiercely protective of this stag, knowing him very well and alerting all to any perceived threat from poachers.