Fowling activities
Following a report received from the Forestry Corps of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano Regarding the presence of three individuals suspected of bird trapping, already known to law enforcement for similar offences and already identified in the past, the Merano Police Station has initiated targeted investigative checks.
Stakeout service
Having identified the vehicle used by the suspects, State Police officers, in conjunction with Forestry Corps officers, proceeded to stakeout and monitor the vehicle, awaiting its return. Once the suspects were back on the road, they were stopped and identified. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded evidence of bird nests and trapping activity, despite the absence of any birds at the time. Subsequently, following a further tip-off from the Forestry Corps—in turn, alerted by a private citizen—two bags and a backpack hidden near fruit fields in the Lana area were found and seized. Inside, approximately 115 chicks distributed across 21 nests were discovered, many of which were unfortunately already dead.
Bird Recovery Center
The recovered birds were immediately handed over to the Provincial Forestry Corps, which arranged for their transfer to the Bird Recovery Center in Castel Tirolo for treatment and examination. The illegal activity identified was aimed at selling the nestlings to hunters who use them as live bait to attract other birds with their song. This practice is particularly widespread in the months of May and June, when individuals from other areas travel to Alto Adige to raid nests in the orchards.
Investigations ongoing
The individuals identified as having committed animal cruelty and caused serious damage to the local ecosystem were reported to the Judicial Authorities for crimes against the environment, flora, and fauna. Investigations are ongoing to determine any further responsibilities and fully reconstruct the facts. The operation represents a significant example of effective inter-agency collaboration between the State Police and the Forestry Corps, a synergy that has proven crucial in combating illegal practices that harm the environment and wildlife (source: Province of Bolzano).
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