Many species of game live in the forests along the Rothaarsteig. Encounters with red deer, wild boar (wild sows), mouflon and, more recently, bison are possible. You may encounter the latter on the Rothaarsteig between Albrechtsplatz and Dreiherrenstein.
The risks posed by these animals to the average hiker are low and can be reduced to an absolute minimum by adopting appropriate and respectful behavior
1. walk calmly and inconspicuously past the animals at a distance, do not frighten them and do not look them directly in the eye.
2. if the animals approach you, remain calm, do not turn your back on them and leave the area without rushing, but always with a view of the animal. If the animals fall below a distance that makes you uncomfortable, call out loudly, whistle or make yourself heard in another way.
3. watch out for threatening gestures! If sows "chatter their teeth" or bison lower their heads, expect them to retreat. Move back!
4 If you have a dog with you, keep it under control and on a lead. If an animal attacks your dog, take it off the lead! The dog is faster and more agile than you and will definitely find you again.