Thanks to its temperate seasonal climate and versatile natural environment, Poland is home to many species of animals. Specialist wildlife tours around Poland are a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers to admire the landscape and encounter some of the native animals up-close.
Here are some of the country’s most impressive species that can be spotted on wildlife tours.
Wolves
There are approximately one thousand wolves in Poland and, although they are notoriously difficult to track, the best place to see them is in the Carpathian Mountains. However, they have been known to have inhabited areas all over the country, from the forests of the north-east to the regions of Podlasie, Warmia, Masuria and Roztocze. Their diet consists of Red Deer, ungulates, Wild Boar and Roe Deer.
Moose
Around the Biebrza Marshes there is a large moose population – in The Biebrza National Park alone, there are approximately 400. The moose love the marshlands, which are rather rare in Europe. Various species of insect can also be spotted in the national park, including butterflies, beetles and spiders.
Red Deer
The best places to spot the beautiful Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) are Brecken Forest and Bialowieza Primeval Forest in north-eastern Poland, though they are relatively common all over the country. To see the animals when the rut takes place, it is best to visit in September and October. During this time, the deer engage in mating battles and make unusual sounds that echo around the woods. These battles can often escalate and become highly aggressive, between the males in particular. The Red Deer is one of the largest of the deer species, and their antlers make it easy to cause significant harm to one another.
Bison
The European Bison (Bison bonasus), also known as a Wisent, inhabits the Bialowieza Primeval Forest. They are relatively easy to spot during winter as their tracks are clear in the snow and they tend to gather in large herds. The bison can also be spotted in Bieszczady (south-east) and western Pomerania (north-west), among several other locations. Since the Bialowieza Primeval Forest is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site, it comes under the protection of the National Park.
Beavers and Birds
In the Narew Valley, over 200 species of bird can be spotted, along with a host of wild beavers and otters. The picturesque landscape is best enjoyed via kayak (and on foot), since it is mostly made up of swamps, lakes and marshland.
An Immersive Experience
Specialist nature tour companies offer unique wildlife tours with itineraries that cover these regions in Poland. Animal lovers who wish to experience the true beauty of the local nature and wildlife will find great enjoyment from this type of immersive holiday. Experienced guides provide the very best viewing opportunities and their extensive knowledge of all the animals that will be encountered ensure there’s no better way to enjoy Poland.
Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in birds. With a passionate interest in rare avian species, Marissa chooses the expert-led wildlife tours organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of flora and fauna in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
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