“I constantly hear from local farmers and municipalities about problems with beavers. And we have a solution for this: district administrations can authorize the shooting of beavers,” stated the head of the Free Voters party.
From a legal perspective, according to Aiwanger, “almost nothing stands in the way of this if infrastructure, sewage treatment plants, sewer networks, and so on are endangered by their burrowing activity and dam building.” While some might laugh at the issue, affected landowners and municipalities facing financial losses are protesting vehemently. “Therefore, we have solutions here, too. Please submit the applications. And please, dear hunters, then remove the objects.” By “objects,” Aiwanger presumably meant the animals.
Beavers Make a Significant Contribution to Local Biodiversity
According to available data, beavers have inhabited Bavaria for around 15 million years and are currently under strict protection—having been nearly eradicated not long ago. Thanks to conservation measures, the population has recovered. Under the Federal Nature Conservation Act, it is prohibited to harass, trap, injure, or kill beavers, or to damage or destroy their lodges and dams. Furthermore, they are listed in the EU Habitats Directive as a strictly protected species.
Beavers play a crucial role in local biodiversity: they create habitats for other rare species and contribute to flood protection and the restoration of floodplain meadows, as has been reported. Permits for dam removal can only be issued by nature conservation authorities.
Beaver in Lower Bavaria Suffers Gunshot Wound
Police in Lower Bavaria are currently searching for the perpetrator after a severely injured beaver was found. Authorities are investigating whether the animal was illegally shot. The animal was reportedly discovered on Saturday in Mallersdorf-Pfaffenberg (district of Straubing-Bogen) with a serious gunshot wound.
The identity of the person who injured the animal is currently unknown, according to available information. The discovered beaver had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries. The carcass has been seized and will be sent for further examination to determine the exact cause of the initial injuries. The police and public prosecutor’s office are investigating possible violations of animal welfare and nature conservation laws.
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