Emperor of Exmoor
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The Emperor of Exmoor, a red stag (Cervus elaphus), was reportedly killed in October 2010.[1][2][3][4] Its weight has been estimated as over 300 pounds (136 kg) and its height at 9 feet (2.7 m).[1] Red deer on Exmoor National Park are larger than red deer in Scotland owing to their diet.[5]
The deer was given its nickname by photographer Richard Austin.[6][1] Its body was reportedly discovered near the A361 road between Tiverton and Barnstaple in Devon, during the annual rutting season.[7] It was reportedly killed by a licensed hunter,[1][7] and an unnamed man reported hearing two shots.[8] Within a few days, other local observers reported having seen the animal alive,[9][10] leading to the suggestion that this may be a manufactured story. Few of the reported facts can actually be verified. The Guardian called the story "a myth".[11]
The animal was believed to be around 12 years old at the time of the claim, but healthy.[2][7] Older animals are sometimes culled, particularly when their incisor teeth are worn, making it difficult for them to survive the winter, but a former worker in deer management stated that "The Emperor was starting to get past his best, but he was definitely not at that stage yet."[8]
The same observer stated, on the topic of stalking during rut, "... we should maintain a standard and stop all persecution during this important time of the year",[7] but the practice is legal and the importance of hunting, both in species management and to the local economy, is asserted by the national park authority.[12]
Deer stalking is legal in Britain under the Deer Act 1991, although hunters must seek permission from the landowner.[2] The heads can fetch over £1000.[7] The possible death of the Emperor of Exmoor prompted several MPs to sign an Early Day Motion with the intent to ban hunting of wild animals in Britain.[13]
A head said to resemble the Emperor's was hung in the Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham, Devon in December 2011. The head was removed after the hotel received threats.[14]
References
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<references />, or <references group="..." />- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Exmoor, Emperor Stag, shot dead. The Guardian, 25 October 2010.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Fury over Britain's largest wild animal shot dead. The Daily Express, 25 October 2010.
- ↑ U.K. furious over killing of majestic stag. The Toronto Star (Canada), 25 October 2010.
- ↑ Exmoor Emperor, Britain's Largest Animal, Gunned Down In 'Trophy Hunt'. The Huffington Post (U.S.), 25 October 2010.
- ↑ Britain’s ‘biggest wild beast’ — a red deer stag roaming Exmoor. The Times Online, 8 October 2009.
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- ↑ He's alive! Mystery surrounding the 'Exmoor Emperor' stag deepens as locals claim to have seen the beast in village gardens, Daily Mail, 28 October 2010
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- ↑ Exmoor National Park Authority hunting statement
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