When he enters Upper Austria

How “SOKO Elch” plans the deportation of “Emil”

"Emil" is looking for love, but has really lost his way - there's a plan in case he comes to Upper Austria now(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

Austria's currently most famous animal is about to cross the border into Upper Austria. And the newly established "SOKO Elch" has already come up with a concrete idea of how the "lonely wanderer" can reach his destination - with a little help. And it would do what people in Lower Austria apparently don't dare to do.

"Emil" ante portas! Only a few kilometers separate the animal from the Upper Austrian border. The moose is roaming somewhere east of Gaflenz and Maria Neustift. "We are well prepared. In the past few days, we have gone through various scenarios and defined appropriate measures," confirmed Provincial Councillor Michaela Langer-Weninger in response to an inquiry from "Krone", confirming that a "SOKO Elk" has been formed. Leading the way: the province of Upper Austria, district authorities, hunters, police and the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology.

"Emil" to wake up again in the north
There is a master plan that will take effect after the border crossing: "Emil" will be anaesthetized and taken to the Bohemian Forest near the Czech border. Once he wakes up, the plan is for him to head towards the Czech Republic and the Šumava National Park or the Bavarian Forest National Park in Bavaria. There is an elk population of around 15 animals here.

The right dose for love
As young bull "Emil", who migrated to Lower Austria from Poland via the Czech Republic, is obviously looking for love, he could find his destination and a new home here.

"Emil" is looking for love, but has really lost his way - there's a plan in case he comes to Upper Austria now(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

"There's a lot to consider, such as the right dose of anaesthetic and the right place so that 'Emil' doesn't injure himself," says Christopher Böck, Managing Director of the Upper Austrian Hunting Association.

Cross-border bureaucracy
Other options, such as shooting the elk, would only be possible with a special permit, as it is huntable game, but protected all year round. And "there is no reason to shoot them", says Böck.

Incidentally, taking the elk to the Czech Republic immediately after stunning would be a cross-border bureaucratic effort, which they want to avoid. "The focus is on the welfare and protection of 'Emil' the moose. At the same time, we want to prevent dangerous situations for people - for example in road or rail traffic," says Provincial Councillor Langer-Weninger.

The focus is on the welfare and protection of "Emil" the moose.

Landesrätin Michaela Langer-Weninger

"Emil's" hunger could be expensive for hunters
As is well known, the moose has already blocked the Western Railway line during its migration and now train passengers have announced claims for compensation due to the delay. Hunters also fear that they will be asked to pay because of "Emil's" appetite. This is because in Upper Austria, those authorized to hunt are liable for damage caused by browsing, for example.
Now it's up to "Emil" whether he continues on his way to Upper Austria ...

„Krone“-Kommentar

„Amore im Böhmerwald“

Personally, "Emil" annoys me a little, but one thing is clear: he is a ray of hope in the daily madness of wars, inflation and tragedies in our own environment.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV, Alexander Schwarzl, Markus Wenzel)

Because "Emil" is about nothing. It's a wild animal running around - what else is it supposed to do? But apparently "Emil's" instinctive compass is malfunctioning and he is pain-free when it comes to proximity to humans and their deadly inventions. In his case: cars and trains.

We can only hope that "Emil's" slightly confused hike ends with "Amore in the Bohemian Forest". If that requires human matchmaking, so be it.