The information about the results of the winter inventory [assumed to be the state at the end of 2023] was provided on Monday by Białowieża National Park on their social media channels.

The data regarding the number of European bison were compiled based on approximately 170 observations from a two-day count. At the end of 2022, 829 bison were counted in the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest, including nearly 140 calves.

The annual counting of European bison in the national park, where the largest population in Poland resides, is always conducted in the winter.

National park employees, foresters, and volunteers count the bison, taking advantage of the fact that during the winter season, the animals gather in larger groups at feeding sites.

For several years now, drones have also been utilized for bison counting.

Dr. Katarzyna Daleszczyk from the European bison breeding center of Białowieża National Park pointed out that a large part of the counted population resides outside of the Białowieża Forest and is no longer associated with it.

Estimates suggest that this accounts for nearly half of the counted bison. “These bison from the forest have already left, moved to nearby areas, and do not return,” said the Polish Press Agency expert.