Green light of the Region to catches and culls of nourish. A presence that, especially in the Piovese area and throughout the Lower Padua area, has for some time been creating problems for agriculture and the local hydrogeological system. With the entry into force of the new regional control plan, which remains in force until the end of 2025 and which largely resumes the previous provision without prejudice to the new implementation competence entrusted no longer to the Provinces, given the suppression of the provincial hunting and fishing services, but to the Organizational Units Coordination of fish and wildlife hunting management dependent on the Region, farmers can start placing the traps they have on loan again and can also resume direct slaughter.
“We found ourselves in the middle of summer - he explains Massimo Bressan, president of Coldiretti Padova - struggling with the raids of the otters without being able to intervene, with only the possibility of reporting to the Provincial Police the passage and damage caused by wild animals that have now colonized the our campaigns. In some areas they are really numerous and just last month we received several reports of damage to crops. In search of water and food, the otters have even raided watermelons ready for harvest, as well as other vegetables. Without counting the risks they cause with their tunnels along the banks.
On the one hand for us farmers driving vehicles that could overturn in the event of collapses, on the other for hydraulic safety with extensive landslides along waterways ". Official censuses on the consistency of the otters there are none but the Region estimates the average presence of a nutria for each hectare of surface. In the Padua area it is estimated that between 220 and 250 specimens may be present, with a higher concentration in the Lower Padua area, in the Piovese area and along the rivers.
As regards the methods of intervention, the preference for capturing with trap cages is confirmed, but direct killing with firearms is also possible, all year round and also in night hours by the tenant owner of the funds, in possession of a hunting license. “We need - adds Bressan - support interventions by the Region capable of strengthening the implementation of capture and killing activities. They must be recognized the commitment required of farmers and the out-of-pocket costs of specially trained volunteer hunters "(The web square).