ONE of the largest red deer stags seen in the West Country may have been shot on Exmoor - or perhaps not.

Nicknamed the Emperor, the stag stood almost nine feet tall and could have weighed as much as 300lbs.

His supposed demise at the hands of a licensed marksman, possibly a trophy hunter, sparked national and even world attention this week.

But yesterday (Thursday) a questionmark was raised over whether he had been shot at all or still ruling his north Devon stamping ground.

It was initially suggested that the Emperor had been killed close to the main Tiverton to Barnstaple road on the Devon side of the moor around two weeks ago.

But no-one has claimed responsibility, there is no apparent evidence of his death and now there are reports of sightings after he was supposedly shot.

Local people claim rumours of the stag's death could have been invented to protect him from rogue hunters.

The alleged shooting sparked concern from some wildlife enthusiasts because it took place during the annual rut - the mating season.

But other experts say the Emperor was - or is - believed to be about 12 years old and could soon have developed health problems.