Police warn: Moose Emil” needs distance – danger to people and animals!

Police warn: Moose Emil” needs distance – danger to people and animals!

On August 27, 2025, a moose named “Emil” attracted attention in Lower Austria. The police strongly warn against approaching the animal either on foot or in a vehicle. Such actions could have dangerous consequences for people and animals, as the Lower Austria State Police Department emphasizes. Emil seems comfortable in his new surroundings and just wants to live and explore different places.

Biologist Armand Colard finds that Emil is fine and shows no signs of nervousness or panic. Despite these positive observations, the police still recommend caution when handling the animal.

Human influences on moose habitats

The lifestyle of moose is heavily influenced by human development. These large animals usually migrate between different areas in search of food and reproduction. However, human activities often lead to the displacement of these animals from their natural habitats. While some moose show resilience and return to old habitats, predators such as wolves and bears do so significantly more slowly. This describes a conflicting aspect of human expansion into moose areas.

A concept that illustrates this is called the “human shield effect.” This explains that human presence can, in some cases, protect prey animals such as moose from predators. However, this can also increase the risk of disease spread. Researchers roughly divide moose into two behavioral groups: bolder and shyer animals. Bolder moose often look for food near people, which leads to more encounters and thus conflicts.

Conflicts between humans and animals

The challenges associated with urbanization and the resulting loss of habitat are diverse. These conflicts can have ecological as well as social, economic and humanitarian consequences. Human property and agricultural fields are often targeted by wildlife, which can result in property damage and a decline in agricultural productivity. These situations increase tensions as affected people and communities have historically killed animals to protect their crops and lives.

This leads to a decreasing tolerance for wild animals and a decline in protective measures. In the long term, the loss of a species can endanger or even destroy the balance of an entire ecosystem. To promote coexistence between humans and animals, innovative approaches to wildlife and habitat management that adapt to the challenges of urbanization are required. Strategies to raise awareness among local residents and regulate feeding practices could also be helpful.

Overall, it is important to balance both the needs of humanity and the protection of endangered species such as elk. This is the only way to ensure sustainable coexistence in a constantly changing world. Further information on the effects of habitat loss and the development of smart approaches can be found at WWF, SciSimple and crown.