According to the latest estimates, they are at least 250 thousand otters currently present in the province, especially in the area of Lower Padovana. These are very dangerous specimens: they usually dig their burrows in the banks of canals, drains and ditches. When they pass over the areas close to the same embankments, agricultural vehicles are in danger of overturning precisely because the land, dotted with holes, is more “landslide”. "Not to mention the damage they cause to crops of all kinds - underlines the director of Cia Padova, Maurice Antonini-. In addition to wild boars, otters can also compromise the harvest of an entire season ”. In this regard, the damages caused by "beaver" in the whole Padua area amount to about 700 thousand euros a year.
Reason for which Cia Padova hopes that the regional plan for the control of nutria, approved in recent days by the Third Commission of the Veneto Regional Council, will be implemented shortly. As regards the indications, on the one hand poisons, rodenticides “or other non-selective means” are prohibited. On the other hand, trapping using cages-traps is allowed and the direct killing with firearms by "owners / conductors of appropriately trained and authorized funds, in possession of the license to practice hunting, a license to carry a shotgun for hunting use and insurance coverage, using high visibility recognition ".
About this, Cia Padova strongly supports the amendment of law 157 of 1992 called "Regulations for the protection of wildlife". In practice, the director Antonini analyzes, the legislation that regulates the matter must be changed in order to reach a point of equilibrium, in the context of a biodiversity that provides for a natural coexistence of the different varieties of fauna. “Today more than ever - he continues - it is necessary to go beyond the principle of protection to reach that of one proper management of wildlife itself". In other words, "the optimal density of each single species must be sought, within the context of environmental, social and economic compatibility, with particular regard to the agricultural activities that develop in the Bassa and Colli area".
Moreover, always Cia Padova promotes “the improvement of the territorial control procedure, making the most of the contribution of the competent scientific bodies ". Furthermore, it favors “a constant and fruitful discussion with the actors interested in the issue”. “The otters represent a big critical issue with respect to which we are obliged to give a quick and effective response, thanks to the collaboration of the competent authorities. It is good that the Region has taken a position along this direction: from words, however, now let's move on to deeds ”. Finally, in recent weeks, Antonini adds, “we are witnessing an uncontrolled proliferation of these specimens. If they are not adequately contained, with the methods permitted by the regional administration, the damage could even increase. This would also have negative effects on the income of agricultural entrepreneurs, already beaten by the covid and the wild boar emergency ".