An elk, an extinct species from Romania, was filmed on Wednesday, December 10, in Hunedoara county. The discovery remains a mystery to experts, who do not know where the animal came from.
An elk specimen (Alces alces) was filmed in Hunedoara county, a considered discovery “important for Romania’s wildlife”according to Rewilding Romania. This species has disappeared from the territory of our country, and its presence remains a mystery to specialists.
“We officially announce an important discovery for Romania’s wildlife: the confirmation of the presence of moose in Hunedoara county. As a result, today, our field team was mobilized to verify and document the presence of the species. Colleagues managed to locate and confirm the presence of moose through direct observation and filming”, it is stated in the Rewilding Romania press release.
The NGO announced that it will continue to monitor the area and work with local authorities to protect the specimen.
“Colleagues were able to locate and confirm the presence of the moose through direct observation and filming. The Rewilding Romania team will continue to monitor the area and collaborate with local authorities to ensure the protection of this moose specimen”stated Rewilding Romania.
Although it is not known exactly where the animal comes from, Rewilding Romania mentions that stable populations of moose exist in Ukraine and Poland, and they can cover long distances, and it is possible that the animal is in transit.
On the other hand, Alexandru Bulacu, executive director of the Romanian Wildlife Society (SRS), considers it unlikely that the moose came from a wild natural environment.
“Although it is currently unknown where it came from, it is known that there are stable moose populations in Ukraine and Poland. Also knowing that moose can cover large distances and that they tend to disperse, there is a possibility that this specimen came from one of the 2 countries, being only in transit in this area.” explained Alexandru Bulacu.
In the past there were stable populations in several countries in Europe, including Romania, being a species native to our country, but which disappeared over time.
“In this context, it is gratifying to see the natural return of a species to an area where it once lived,” said Bulacu.
