Let the moose-spotting begin. As thousands of Swedish moose embark on their annual migration for the summer, moose enthusiasts and casual fans from around the world are tuning in to witness the journey. SVT, Sweden's national public broadcaster, launched its annual livestream this week, streaming nonstop footage from cameras set up in the woods of northern Sweden to catch glimpses of these majestic creatures. "For several thousand years, the moose have walked the same path to get to the rich pastures of summer. Follow the walk live from Kullberg in the north of Sweden," a description for the livestream reads.
The stream, aptly named "The Great Moose Migration," will be available 24 hours a day until the end of the migration in May, according to the Associated Press. Wednesday's stream can be found online, offering a constant feed of cameras positioned around the rivers and forests of northern Sweden, where moose cross every year around this time. While the stream often shows serene nature, moments of heightened excitement—like a group of moose submerged in water as they cross or two birds interacting—are highlighted on the stream's timeline. Additionally, the livestream keeps a running tally of how many moose have crossed the river.
There are roughly 300,000 moose in Sweden's woods, according to the country's official website. As part of an experiment in 2022, some moose were GPS-tagged, revealing that they began their spring journey south of Kullberg and typically move north to graze before turning around and heading back south in October. Fans of the livestream have flooded the Facebook fan page with words of encouragement as the moose begin their migration this year. One enthusiastic viewer wrote on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, that they shrieked, 'MOOSE--MOOSE!!!', joking that their neighbors must think they are nuts.
Other commenters expressed admiration for the majestic nature of the moose or engaged in discussions about the animals' movements. Even those dedicated to the livestream project say the sight of moose migrating is a rare thrill. "We actually don't see it very often. You often see it when you're out driving maybe once or twice in your life," Johan Erhag, SVT's project manager for "The Great Moose Migration," told the Associated Press. "I think that's one reason why it has been so, so popular. And then you bring nature into everyone's living room."
Millions of people are watching the annual moose migration across Sweden's Ångerman River live. The Great Moose Migration is back on SVT and is expected to run for about 20 days. This year, the livestream began earlier than usual due to unseasonably warm weather, marking its return with a bang. What started in 2019 with around a million viewers has ballooned into a cultural phenomenon, with over 9 million people tuning in to the moose migration in 2024, according to reports from The Guardian.
Equipped with more than 30 remote and night vision cameras, drones, and 20,000 meters of cabling, SVT's 15-person crew in Umeå (about 600 km north of Stockholm) monitors the moose migration's every step. They even send out push alerts when the first moose appears and maintain an on-screen tally of those who have safely crossed the river. Last year, 87 moose successfully made the journey, but sadly, not all make the perilous crossing. Fans across Sweden and beyond have embraced what has come to be known as 'slow TV,' a genre that swaps action and plot twists for real-time, meditative footage. NBC News reported comments from moose migration enthusiasts, including Ulla Malmgren, 62, who prepares for each season like it’s a sporting event: "Coffee, snacks… sleep? Forget it!"
Another fan, 20-year-old William Garp Liljefors, admitted that the show once made him late for class: "I feel relaxed, but at the same time I’m like, ‘Oh, there’s a moose! I can’t go to the toilet!’" Johan Erhag explained the appeal of the livestream: "Everyone is so stressed today… This is the total opposite of that." In a world full of breaking news and social media noise, shows like The Great Moose Migration offer a peaceful alternative. There’s no script, no plot twists—just nature unfolding at its own pace.
In addition to the moose migration, several other wildlife-themed live streams have captured the public's attention in recent years. In the Netherlands, viewers can help with the annual fish migration by watching live footage from an underwater camera and pressing a digital 'fish doorbell' when they see a fish waiting to pass through a boat lock. Similarly, in Canada, an annual live stream captures the summer migration of tens of thousands of chatty beluga whales, while other feeds showcase polar bears congregating in Churchill, Manitoba, as they wait for sea ice to form on Hudson Bay.
As the moose migration continues, it serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving these majestic creatures. The livestream not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community among viewers, allowing them to share their experiences and connect with fellow nature lovers. With the stream expected to continue through May 4, many are eagerly anticipating what other breathtaking moments the migration will bring.
In a time when stress and anxiety permeate daily life, The Great Moose Migration provides a soothing escape, offering viewers a chance to slow down and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. As millions tune in to watch these incredible animals make their journey, it’s clear that the moose migration has become more than just a spectacle; it’s a celebration of nature that unites people across the globe.
