Austria has amazing nature ready for you to discover. But while doing so, even though it is very unlikely, you might come across some unexpected company.

In the Alpine region, this company could be lynxes, wolves, or golden eagles. In the country’s forests and lowlands, it could instead be the red fox. In forested and rural areas, you might find the badger, and in the mountains, especially close to Slovenia, you might even encounter bears—all playing crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance.

Here is what you need to know about some of Austria’s wildlife predators.

Wolves

Since the early 1990s, wolves have returned to Austria after being driven to near extinction by intensive hunting and systematic extermination.

Wolves in Austria are European grey wolves, easily recognised by their medium to large size, lean build, and thick, dense coat in shades of grey, brown, and beige, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Wolves are not so picky when it comes to their choice of habitat, as long as certain basic criteria are met. They prefer regions that offer them a lot of food, shelter and space for territorial formation. 

If you are hiking in these regions, you usually do not need to fear.  The Kora Foundation suggests that wolves are shy creatures who generally try to avoid human contact. In fact, the last fatality caused by a wolf anywhere in Europe occurred in Spain over fifty years ago. 

Lynxes

It is not very likely that you will encounter a Lynx while exploring Austria’s nature, but it is also not impossible.

Once, lynxes were commonly seen in Austria, but by the end of the 19th century, they were hunted to extinction, with the last one killed in Bregenzerwald in 1918.

Now, over 100 years later, lynxes are slowly returning to Austria.

The country is now home to two transboundary lynx populations: one in the Western Alps, with some lynxes migrating from Switzerland, and another in the Bohemian Forest, shared with Bavaria and the Czech Republic, where about 23 lynxes can be found.

In addition, a small and isolated population of lynxes is reported to live in the National Park Kalkalpen.

The lynx is easily recognised by its tufted ears, short tail, and spotted coat. It is usually the size of a larger dog, with a broad face and large, padded paws.

Although Lynx usually stay away from humans, they might attack if they feel threatened by your presence.

READ ALSO: Why Vienna is a haven for wild animals – and where you can find them

Golden Eagles

In the Austrian Alps, there are around 260-360 golden eagles. These birds like open to semi-open landscapes where they can hunt prey such as marmots or alpine hares.

The golden eagle is a large bird of prey with dark brown feathers and a distinctive golden-brown colour on the back of its neck and head. It is a symbol of strength and power in Austrian culture and is found on the country’s coat of arms.

Typical places in Austria where you can spot the bird are in mountainous areas and national parks such as Hohe Tauern, Gesäuse National Park, and the Alps.

If you encounter an eagle, you normally have nothing to be afraid of. They tend to avoid human contact but could possibly become defensive if, for example, you approach their nests or disturb them in some way.

Red foxes

Red foxes are quite common in Austria and can be found in all provinces.

Austria’s red foxes have a reddish-orange coat with a white belly and a bushy tail tipped with white. They are slenderly built, have pointed faces, and large, upright, black-tipped ears.

They live in the lowlands and the Alps up to 2,500 meters above sea level. They are known for being incredibly adaptable and can live in most sorts of environments, including urban areas.

In Austria, they are often found in different towns and villages, where they go to search for food.

Since they often live so close to us, it is a good thing that they are not dangerous. Red foxes tend to be shy and avoid people, but it is still a good idea to avoid feeding or petting them, just to be sure.

READ ALSO: Four Austrian national parks worth paying a visit

Badgers

Like the red foxes, badgers can be found in all of Austria’s provinces, from the lowlands to the Alps.

Badger products were widely used in the past. Badger meat, including ham, was considered a delicacy. The fat from badgers was applied in creams to help with rheumatism, and badger hair was used in different kinds of brushes.

Bears

However, there is an extremely small chance of encountering a bear on your next Austrian hike. 

 

Even if bears can be dangerous, they are generally not aggressive unless provoked or if they feel their cubs or food sources are in danger.

 

A brown bear relaxing in the grass. Photo by Elizabeth Meyers on Unsplash