May 11, 2026, 9:12 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Elks are typically associated with Scandinavia, endless forests in Sweden or Canada. It’s all the more surprising that these large wild animals are slowly reappearing in Germany. And increasingly so. What long seemed unthinkable is becoming reality step by step: The elk is back.
Where Elk Are Actually Found in Germany
Most elk are currently spotted in eastern Germany. Brandenburg, in particular, is considered a kind of “hotspot.” Sightings have been increasing here for years. But the giants are also on the move in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, and parts of Bavaria.1
Many of the elk come to Germany from Poland or the Czech Republic. Their populations have significantly recovered in recent years, prompting especially young animals to wander. In summer, they even swim across rivers like the Oder and the Neisse. In winter, they use frozen crossings.
Some animals don’t just stay briefly. Individual elk have been repeatedly observed in the same regions over extended periods. This suggests that Germany is more than just a stopover for them.
How Many Elk Currently Live in Germany?
The number is still manageable. Experts estimate that about 10 to 15 elk currently live permanently in Germany. There may even be slightly more by now. Additionally, there are always animals that only temporarily migrate to Germany. There is no comprehensive monitoring yet, making it difficult to determine the exact number. Many insights come from individual sightings, camera traps, or tagged animals.
Nevertheless, this small number is remarkable. Elk were long considered extinct in Germany. By the 18th and 19th centuries, hunting and habitat loss had completely driven the wild animals out of the country. Only in recent years have the animals slowly returned. Since around 2015, sightings have been increasing, especially in eastern Germany.2
What is clear, however, is that the trend is upward. The number of sightings has been rising for years. This is a clear sign that elk could slowly reestablish themselves in Germany.
Why Elk Feel Comfortable Here Again
Germany offers surprisingly good conditions for the world’s largest deer species. Especially in the northeast, the animals find exactly what they need: expansive forests, wetlands, lakes, and sparsely populated landscapes.
Elk love diverse habitats with water. They feed on leaves, shoots, bark, and aquatic plants. There is plenty of this here. On warm days, they seek out bodies of water to cool off.
Additionally, populations are growing in our neighboring countries. This increases the “pressure” on the giants to explore new habitats. Germany lies directly on their natural expansion route westward.
Can You Really Encounter Elk in Germany?
Theoretically yes–practically, it is still rare. Elk are solitary and cover large distances. In one day, they can wander several dozen kilometers. Therefore, they sometimes appear unexpectedly in places where you wouldn’t expect them.3
Compared to the rest of Germany, the likelihood of encountering an elk is greatest in the east of the country. However, such an encounter remains a true stroke of luck. Seeing an elk in the wild is an experience that would have been nearly impossible just a few years ago.
Will Bears Soon Return to Germany?
What to Do if You Encounter a Bear
Are Elk Dangerous to Humans?
Elk are generally not aggressive animals. They usually retreat when they notice humans. However, they should not be underestimated. The wild animals can weigh up to 800 kilograms, grow over two meters tall, and are surprisingly fast. If they feel threatened, they can indeed become dangerous–for example, with powerful kicks from their front legs.
The greatest danger, however, does not come from direct encounters but from road traffic. Like deer, elk tend to stand still in danger rather than flee. This can lead to serious accidents, especially on country roads and at dusk. If you encounter an elk, you should keep your distance and not provoke the animal.4
What the Return of Elk Means for Germany
The return of elk is primarily a good sign for nature. It shows that ecosystems are partially recovering and once again providing space for large wild animals.
At the same time, the giants bring new challenges. Habitats need to be better connected, such as through wildlife corridors or green bridges, so the animals can migrate safely. Dealing with elk in road traffic may also play a larger role as the population increases.
In the long term, it is quite possible that stable elk populations will develop in Germany again. There are already initial indications of this, such as individual animals that stay permanently and may even have offspring.
What surprises us today could become quite normal in the future: that elk soon belong to the native wildlife again.