Growth Rooted in Conservation Efforts

Out of the 3,000 bison, 2,855 are living freely in the wild, while the remaining 205 are in enclosed reserves. The European bison, once nearly extinct with only a few left in captivity in the early 20th century, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to dedicated breeding and rewilding programs that started after World War I. Today, Poland is home to the largest European bison population in the world.

The largest herd, around 870 bison, lives in the Białowieża Forest—an ancient woodland located along the border between Poland and Belarus and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other key populations include 764 bison in the Bieszczady Mountains in southeastern Poland, 562 in the Knyszyńska Forest near Lithuania, and approximately 465 in western parts of the country.

New Challenges and Future Steps

Although the growing numbers are a conservation success, experts are now concerned about new issues, such as overcrowding in some regions. This could lead to the spread of disease and more frequent interactions between bison and people, especially when the animals wander onto farmland.

To prevent these problems, Polish authorities are starting new projects to move some bison to areas that offer better conditions and less crowding. These relocation efforts will receive support from the European Union.

As the continent's largest land mammal, the European bison can weigh up to 900 kilograms. It also plays a vital role in the health of forest ecosystems by grazing and maintaining open landscapes.

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