After several poisoned wild animals were found in the district of Altötting, conservationists warned walkers in the Upper Bavarian region of dangerous poisoned baits. The state association for bird protection (LBV) and the Gregor Louisoder environmental foundation (GLUS) announced on Wednesday that the poison carbofuran had been detected in a dead buzzard by a pathological examination. The bird of prey probably ate two foxes beforehand, which may have died from the poison. All three dead animals were found in close proximity to each other.
The banned poison is said to be particularly dangerous for children and dogs. “For your own safety, we call for increased caution among walkers and dog owners in the area,” said the LBV state officer for nature conservation, Andreas von Lindeiner, according to the announcement. The killing of protected bird species, such as the buzzard, is a criminal offence. A criminal complaint was therefore filed against unknown persons.
The poison carbofuran can already have an effect on skin contact and lead to cramps even in small doses, explained Franziska Baur, GLUS specialist for nature conservation. However, investigating illegal wildlife killings is often difficult. The LBV and the GLUS appealed to parents in the district of Altötting not to let their children touch any dead animals lying around or anything else that is suspicious. Dog owners on site should keep their animals on a leash.