Footloose moose moved to reserve after chaotic summer in Austria went viral

[highplainsdem]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/23/austrian-authorities-capture-chaos-causing-problem-moose

A footloose moose called Emil, whose summer wanderings caused havoc on Austrian roads and railways, has been captured, sedated and released in a verdant nature reserve, leaving his legions of fans wishing him well on social media.

The approximately three-year-old male, believed to have come originally from Poland or the Czech Republic, rose to online fame in August with his chaotic odyssey through parts of Austria where moose sightings are rare.

Local authorities decided to take action this week when Emil appeared ready to jump a fence on to the A1 autobahn, posing serious danger to himself and motorists. Adult male moose, among the largest mammals in Europe, can reach a weight of 800kg (1,764lb).

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Animal welfare officers, using drones and thermal-imaging cameras to track Emil, carried out the operation on Monday. He was tranquilised and gingerly lifted by eight firefighters into a transport trailer lined with straw.

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[chowder66]

1. Video of Emil. Pretty boy!!

https://apnews.com/video/the-adventures-of-emil-the-moose-keep-a-corner-of-austria-on-its-toes-bd56eb7604804999a57af589048f6bdb