The sightings
Coypu were first spotted in South Tyrol in 2006 and have continued to spread steadily ever since. The rodent has also been spotted in the Adige Valley between Gargazzone and Salorno, although the greatest spread is concentrated in the lowlands. "Early detection plays a crucial role in the effective management of invasive alien species, especially the coypu. This is why we rely heavily on the help of the public, particularly hunters, fishermen, and land reclamation consortia. Any type of warning or indication that indicates the possible presence of an invasive alien species must be reported immediately to the Wildlife Management Office," emphasized Provincial Councilor for Agriculture and Forestry Luis Walcher: "In 2016, the coypu was included in the list of invasive alien species of EU concern, harmful to native ecosystems, and EU member states were mandated to take containment measures. This classification was first adopted at the national level and then in the Provincial Hunting Regulations."
Special cases
"The Wildlife Management Office conducts efficient management to control the coypu population in South Tyrol and has identified special cases," explains Forestry Service Director Günther Unterthiner: "With Omnibus Decree No. 44 of 2025, Article 29 of the 1987 Provincial Law was amended, which now provides for the possibility of mandating hunting license holders, who meet the general requirements, to implement containment measures. Hunters can therefore regulate the invasive species in their territory. This change supports the Office's management and allows for a rapid response to locally present animals. Based on this approach, it has already been possible to capture approximately 40 animals in recent years."
Trap Management
The Wildlife Management Office provides designated trapping devices to districts upon request. "For game rangers operating in areas with confirmed coypu presences, the Wildlife Management Office will organize, starting in early 2026, a training course that includes trap management, shooting, and weapon registration," reports Dominik Trenkwalder of the Wildlife Management Office in the Forestry Service Department of the Province of Bolzano (source: Province of Bolzano).
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