the Emperor of Exmoor always makes an impression.

Emperor of Exmoor: The stag believed to be the UK's largest wild animal is pictured in Devon 


He doesn’t make many public appearances.

But whenever he shows up at his annual stag do – otherwise known as the mating season – the Emperor of Exmoor always makes an impression.

Thought to be the largest wild animal in the British Isles, he weighs around 300lb and stands 9ft tall from the ground to top of his antlers.


I'm off: A smaller stag decides against issuing a challenge to the Emperor


Emperor at home: The stag is estimated to be about 12 years old


Photographed on his traditional stamping ground near the Devon and Somerset border, his precise location is kept a closely guarded secret for fear that poachers may try to stalk him. 

The mating season lasts until the end of this month, giving the Emperor plenty of time to prove he’s still the UK’s alpha male.

Wildlife photographer Richard Austin, who tracked him down earlier this month, said: ‘I’m so glad he’s come back again looking even bigger and better than last year.