Moose Emil continues to stroll through Lower Austria
The hype around moose "Emil" continues: The guest from the north continues to roam the Tulln district as a "naturalized Lower Austrian." On Tuesday evening, he was observed, filmed, and photographed in St. Andrä-Wördern. By Wednesday noon, he was spotted "on the southern outskirts of Tulln." His path thus led upstream along the Danube. The Facebook fan page "Emil the Moose" approached the 5,000-member mark. On Tuesday morning, it had been 2,500.
Hype around Moose Emil: Sightings shared on Facebook page
Comments show that the followers of the antlered animal are also concerned. "Please be careful!", "Please let him continue on his way undisturbed" or "Heavens, hopefully nothing really happens if he keeps strolling so leisurely on the road" can be read on the fan page. But there is also criticism: "Maybe we should stop posting where he is. Then all the brainless onlookers can't follow him... Information that he is doing well is completely sufficient."
The moose has been roaming through Lower Austria for more than a week now. He has long since achieved cult status.
"Keep your distance": Animal Protection Austria appeals to the public
Animal Protection Austria called on the public on Wednesday to "remain calm and behave responsibly towards the wild animal." Moose are "impressive but peaceful flight animals. Anyone who encounters Emil should keep their distance, not harass him, and allow him to retreat. This way, the situation remains safe for all involved," explained Stephan Scheidl, the shelter manager of Animal Protection Austria.
And furthermore: "Do not feed or lure: Emil finds his food - young shoots and buds - on his own. Getting accustomed to humans would be risky. Do not stress: Please do not approach too closely for photos or videos and do not make loud noises. A stressed moose could flee in panic onto roads or railway tracks."
Emil Seeks Suitable Territory
According to its own statements, Animal Protection Austria is "in close contact with relevant institutions and authorities" to coordinate further actions in the interest of both humans and animals. "We hope that Emil can move on undisturbed and find a suitable territory. The proper consideration of the population is crucial for this," emphasized Scheidl.
Moose were native to Austria until the 17th century. Individual animals still roam through the Waldviertel or other regions today. According to Animal Protection Austria, "Emil" is "a young, sexually mature male looking for a new territory and females for reproduction. Moose can cover up to 80 kilometers per day and have territories of up to 100 square kilometers in size. They are active both during the day and at night."
The greatest threat to the animals comes from the increasing fragmentation of their habitats by roads, settlements, and other infrastructures. Despite their size - up to 2.30 meters in shoulder height and 500 kilograms in weight - moose do not pose a threat to humans as long as they are left alone.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.