Austrian Elk, identified as Emil, disrupts significant railway route in Austria

Disrupting crucial train services in Austria is being orchestrated by individual 'Emil'

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2025 September 15 . 11:29 AM

2 min read

Austrian Elk named Emil disables crucial railway track in Austria

Train 'Emil' disrupts essential railway services in Austria - Austrian Elk, identified as Emil, disrupts significant railway route in Austria

In the heart of Austria, a three-year-old moose named Emil has become an unexpected celebrity. Originating from either the Czech Republic or Poland, where moose populations reside, Emil has wandered into the country, capturing the media and public's attention.

Austria, however, does not have a native moose population. This fact hasn't stopped Emil from making a significant impact, as the young deer has been blocking a crucial railway route in eastern Austria for hours. The Westbahn line, connecting Vienna with western Austria, Germany, and Western Europe, has been disrupted due to Emil's presence.

The Westbahn line, located in Austria, has been a focal point of activity recently. Onlookers in St. Pölten, a city in the state of Lower Austria, have observed Emil roaming around. The St. Pölten Animal Protection Association has urged people to leave Emil alone, warning that a stressed moose could panic and potentially cause accidents.

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have closed the railway route for safety reasons. Despite several attempts to remove Emil from the railway embankment, the moose has not been captured or removed. A shunting locomotive was used to approach Emil slowly, in an attempt to encourage it to move.

Despite the disruptions, Emil has not caused any accidents in St. Pölten. The railway line was reopened just before 1:00 AM on Sunday, but Emil's whereabouts are currently unknown. The search results do not provide information about who likely brought Emil to Austria.

Emil's presence on the Westbahn line has been a sensation in Austria for approximately two and a half weeks. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) are still working to safely remove Emil from the railway embankment, ensuring the safety of both the moose and the public.

The Westbahn line is one of Austria's most important railway routes, connecting the country to its neighbours and beyond. As the story of Emil continues to unfold, one thing is certain: this moose has certainly made its mark on Austria.