"SOKO Elk": These Are the Plans for Emil's Further Journey

While moose "Emil" was spotted in Stadt Haag (Amstetten district) on Thursday, preparations are being made in Upper Austria for him to possibly cross the state border soon. One possible scenario is: tranquilize Emil and bring him to the Czech border, where he could meet his kind. Animal Protection Austria sharply criticized the plan and announced legal action.

With Tranquilization: Upper Austria Wants to Bring Moose Towards Bohemian Forest

The state has set up a "SOKO Moose," confirmed the office of the responsible Upper Austrian state councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger (ÖVP) on Thursday, according to a "Krone" report. For some time now, an expert group, including the state's hunting and forestry service, the state hunting association, the Institute for Wildlife Biology and Ecology of the University of Veterinary Medicine, and the veterinary service, has been advising on how to handle the animal visitor if he enters the state. Since "Emil" has already blocked train traffic once, they want to avoid that here - also for the protection of the animal.

First Just Observe Emil

Therefore, the plan is: First, the moose, who now has celebrity status, should be observed. The hunting expert service in Langer-Weninger's office acts as a contact and coordination point for reports of sightings. Then, if "Emil" does not take this path on his own, they plan to tranquilize him in safe terrain, tag him, and bring him towards the Czech border, where a moose population lives in the Šumava National Park. Here, he might also find a mate, according to the hope.

"Emil can arrive in Upper Austria any day - we are well prepared for that," assures Langer-Weninger. In recent days, various scenarios have been played out with experts, and appropriate measures have been established. "The focus is on the well-being and protection of moose Emil. At the same time, we want to prevent dangerous situations for people - for example, in road or rail traffic."

Hunting Association Sees No Reason for Shooting

Shooting the moose would only be possible with a special permit, as it is huntable game but protected all year round, said Christopher Böck, managing director of the Upper Austrian Hunting Association, to the "Krone" - "and there is no reason for it." However, bringing the moose directly to the Czech Republic would be a cross-border bureaucratic effort that they want to avoid.

Animal Protection Austria Threatens Legal Action

Even though Upper Austria assures that they only have Emil's well-being in mind, Animal Protection Austria sharply criticized the plans in a statement on Thursday: "Any sedation is a danger for a wild animal," it says, considering this approach as not legally compliant. Moose are indeed huntable in Austria, but they are protected all year round. "This means: Emil may neither be hunted nor captured nor intentionally killed. An exception is only permissible if there is an immediate threat to humans - and that is currently not the case," explains Stephan Scheidl, head of the animal shelter at Animal Protection Austria. Therefore, they reserve the right to take legal action.

"Welcome to Haag"

"Emil's" journey through Lower Austria continues. On Thursday morning, he arrived in the city of Haag, thus reaching the far west of the province. He was also "welcomed" by Mayor Lukas Michlmayr (ÖVP). "Good morning 'Emil'! Welcome to Haag," wrote the city leader in a video on his Facebook page. The moose "visits his relatives (deer) in our zoo," Michlmayr added.

While "Emil" is possibly making his way to Upper Austria in his now fifth week in the country, the number of his fans has continued to grow. The Facebook page set up at the end of August ("Emil the Moose") surpassed the 20,000-member mark on Thursday.

The fact that "Emil" is to be sedated in the Land above the Enns and brought to the Czech border has certainly also mobilized his fans on the social media platform. "Can it be prevented that he goes to Upper Austria?" was asked. "I hope they really do it well and Emil stays healthy" or "Hopefully Emil turns around again," were comments. However, the fan page also read: "I don't understand your outrage!? It's good if he is finally brought to the Bohemian Forest ...".

Warning Against "Moose Tourism"

Animal Protection Austria once again warned against "moose tourism". The behavior of the animal is "completely natural". What is perceived as a sensation here is a completely normal sight in other countries. "More unnatural is the fact that habitats are so heavily fragmented," which also poses dangers for the animal, says Scheidl.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.