Working together for the comeback of large herbivores in the Oder Delta – Large wild animals such as moose and bison are not only fascinating to observe – they shape entire landscapes and strengthen the resilience of our ecosystems. Transboundary knowledge exchange, cooperation and understanding are necessary for their successful and well-managed, naturally occurring return to Germany. For the past four years, a German-Polish working group has been collaborating to jointly develop monitoring and management approaches for these species, paving the way for peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.
Fourth meeting of the Moose & Bison Working Group: Cross-border exchange
On 1 and 2 October 2025, the fourth meeting of the Moose & Bison Working Group took place – this time in Glashütte in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and we organised it. Around 25 participants from science and practice from Poland, Brandenburg, Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania exchanged views on current developments and challenges.
The aim of the working group is to pool knowledge and develop joint strategies for the monitoring and management of moose and bison. As the animals migrate over long distances, cross-border coordination is crucial. The current focus is on moose, as their migration to Germany is already being observed on a regular basis – early preparation through monitoring and management recommendations for peaceful coexistence is therefore advisable.
Why moose and bison are so important for nature
Moose and bison do not act in isolation – they are part of a broader community of large herbivores that play a crucial role in driving natural landscape dynamics. Through their distinct feeding behaviours and movement patterns, they continuously shape diverse mosaic landscapes of forests, grasslands, shrublands and wetlands. Moose help thin out young forests while bison open clearings and create sand pits. Together with other herbivores, they keep the vegetation in a state of constant, dynamic renewal.
Their impact extends far beyond grazing. Through dung, urine, trampling and constant movement across the landscape, they improve soil quality, support fungi, bacteria and insects, and disperse seeds over long distances. Open patches of ground and trampled paths become starting points for new plant communities, which in turn create habitats for countless animals. In this way, resilient ecosystems emerge that are rich in functions – from pollination and natural pest control to greater adaptability to climate change.
Mosaic landscapes are themselves a key factor in ecosystem resilience. Their shifting structures help prevent diseases or pests from spreading across large areas, and the open areas reduce the risk of large-scale forest fires. At the same time, extensively used or near-natural grasslands can store significant amounts of carbon deep in the soil – in roots and humus – which is often more stably bound than in forests. This is particularly true in regions prone to fire or recurring disturbances such as windthrow, bark beetle outbreaks, dry summers or intensive forestry, where large amounts of above-ground wood biomass can be lost. However, the condition of the grassland is crucial: only permanent, undisturbed grasslands with species-rich root systems of varying depths and intact soil structure provide this long-term carbon storage – and it is precisely such open, dynamic areas that large herbivores create and maintain.
The return of moose, bison and other large herbivores means far more than just bringing back individual animals: it creates vibrant, dynamic landscapes that enhance natural processes, support biodiversity and help stabilise climate and ecosystems over the long term. Rewilding paves the way for this.
From extinction to comeback: A historical perspective
The moose had already disappeared from what is now Germany in the early Middle Ages and survived in Poland for a long time only in a few refuges. It was not until it was placed under protection in the 1950s that the population began to recover. Since a hunting moratorium was introduced in 2001, the population in Poland has grown again to around 30.000 individuals, and – based on reported sightings – there seems to be regular migration to the eastern part of Germany.
The bison, which had become extinct in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century, has since been successfully reintroduced in several parts of Europe, including Western Pomerania on the Polish side. In Western Pomerania, there are currently 11 bison herds comprising 465 individuals, with two of these herds living just about 30 kilometres from the German border. In 2017, a bison even swam across the Oder River to Germany and was subsequently shot – an incident that highlighted the urgent need for clear responsibilities and guidelines for managing migrating wild animals.
Monitoring, management and infrastructure: paths to coexistence
Rewilding Oder Delta works closely with the West Pomeranian Nature Society in Poland and operates a cross-border monitoring team. So far, the team has focused primarily on lynx and bison on the Polish side, but in the future, it will expand its activities to additional species, like moose.
A habitat analysis (Bluhm et al., 2023) confirms that suitable habitat exists for both moose and bison in the Oder Delta – on both sides of the border. However, landscapes fragmented by roads and railway lines make it difficult for these animals to disperse.
For this reason, Rewilding Oder Delta is advising the State Office for Roads and Transport to ensure that migratory movements are considered in future infrastructure planning. Fences and crossing aids can provide targeted guidance, reduce conflicts and create safety for humans and animals.
‘We can learn from our Polish neighbours’
‘We need a better understanding of the migratory patterns of both species and close cross-border cooperation,’ says Ulrich Stöcker, managing director of Rewilding Oder Delta. ‘We can learn a lot from Poland’s management of large animals.’
The continuation of the working group is therefore an important step toward a shared future with moose and bison.
Results of the exchange
The meeting highlighted that the moose population in Poland continues to grow, but systematic monitoring is still lacking – which makes reports from local communities and observers all the more crucial. It remains uncertain whether a stable and reproducing moose population can establish itself in our region under future climatic conditions, especially since wetland habitats, critical for moose thermoregulation, are limited and vulnarable. Research also suggests that moose could potentially cross the Szczecin Lagoon. More relevant than crossing the lagoon, although theoretically possible, is probably the land route along old corridors (such as those on Usedom), although this has not yet been confirmed. This uncertainty underscores the importance of continued monitoring. Experience from several countries shows that moose occasionally associate with cattle, as the case of Bert demonstrates. Bert is currently the only moose known to live permanently in Germany and has been wearing a transmitter collar for several years, giving us interesting insights into his movement patterns and behaviour. Road crossings remain a key risk: while green bridges are used by moose in some areas, they are hardly used in others, emphasising the need for further research. Telemetry data shows that major transport routes affect migration behaviour, with moose largely avoiding motorways. Targeted training courses for the police, fire brigade and railway authorities are recommended to prepare them for potential encounters with moose. Engaging hunters will be crucial to ensure sustainable management and to support moose conservation efforts. Rewilding Oder Delta plans to establish its own sighting database, create a German-Polish monitoring system and develop management recommendations for the state. Overall, cooperation with authorities, researchers in both countries will be intensified to improve crossing structures and further strengthen local acceptance of moose.
On the Moose’s trail: ARTE report
The meeting was accompanied by journalist Michael Schumacher, who followed the moose’s journey for an ARTE report– from Biebrza National Park in eastern Poland to the Oder Delta. The documentary was broadcasted on ARTE on 26 November 2025 and can be viewed in the ARTE media library. It portrays the fascinating return of these animals, using Bert, the moose bull, as a case study.
Conclusion: Towards a Shared Future with Moose and Bison
This year’s working group meeting further strengthened cross-border cooperation. All participants agreed to remaining close contact regarding sighting reports and recommendations for action. It is particularly encouraging that regions with experience in managing these species are willing to pass on their knowledge to areas with potential for natural recolonisation.
We will continue to foster dialogue on moose and bison, engage relevant stakeholders and establish coordinated monitoring in the German-Polish border region.
Moose and bison are making a comeback – slowly but surely. Their return symbolises a shift towards a nature-friendly, resilient European landscape. Success, however, depends on people and countries taking joint responsibility – guided by sound knowledge, mutual understanding a long-term vision.
