European bison herd in Lasy Janowskie doubles in four years

26 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A reintroduced herd of European bison in the Janów Forests of Lubelszczyzna has nearly doubled over four years, a sign of conservation success with implications for local ecology, tourism and safety.

The reintroduction of the European bison has gone from experiment to success: a herd in the Lasy Janowskie of Lubelszczyzna has nearly doubled in size over the past four years, and new calves are once again being born in the wild. That growth shows the population is establishing itself and is becoming a visible part of the region’s landscape.

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From risky experiment to stable population

Only a few years ago, bringing back large herbivores such as the European bison (Polish: żubr) to areas like the Janów Forests was treated as an ambitious conservation experiment. The animals had been driven close to extinction in the early 20th century and, since then, reintroductions in Poland have been carefully planned and monitored. The recent doubling of numbers in Lasy Janowskie indicates that habitat conditions, food availability and protection measures are sufficient for survival and reproduction.

Why this matters locally and for expats

For local communities, a growing bison population can bring both benefits and responsibilities. On the positive side, European bison are a flagship species that attract nature tourism — birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and eco-tourists — which can support rural businesses. Conversely, larger herbivores sometimes come into conflict with agriculture, damaging crops or fencing, prompting the need for compensation schemes or mitigation measures administered by local authorities and forest services.

Conservation, management and safety

The animals are protected under national regulations and European conservation frameworks; their management typically involves agencies such as the Polish State Forests (Lasy Państwowe) and regional environmental bodies. That protection means the herd cannot be legally hunted and is monitored for health and genetic diversity to avoid inbreeding. For residents and visitors, it is important to keep a safe distance from these powerful animals — do not approach, attempt to feed them, or block them on roads. Collisions with large mammals can be dangerous for drivers as well as animals, so stay alert when driving in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: “Reintroduction” means releasing a species back into areas where it no longer lived naturally. In Poland, the word żubr refers to the European bison (english: European bison or wisent). The herd in Lasy Janowskie is part of a broader national effort managed by authorities including the Polish State Forests. These animals are protected: do not approach or feed them, keep pets under control, and report sightings that may endanger people or animals to local forestry officials or the police. If you are driving in rural parts of the Lubelszczyzna (Lublin Voivodeship), slow down near forested stretches—collisions with large wildlife are a real risk. If you are interested in seeing bison responsibly, look for organised wildlife tours or contact local nature reserves for guidance.

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