Overview
- The hunting tally rose from three animals in 1992/93 and 80 a decade later to nearly 27,000 in the current hunting year, indicating rapid expansion.
- Conservation groups report nest predation, amphibian losses during spawning, and displacement of cavity‑nesting species such as tawny owls, with bats and squirrels also affected.
- The state environment office warns of economic damage to orchards and vineyards and notes building intrusion that can enlarge roof gaps and lead to water ingress.
- Raccoons are managed under hunting law and may be killed only by qualified personnel, while EU invasive‑species rules bar keeping, transporting or releasing captured animals.
- Authorities recommend prevention at homes by securing bins, removing outdoor pet food, sealing roof access and cat flaps, and shielding downpipes, as Nabu deems eradication unrealistic.