Birds of prey injured in Eastern Slovakia

Protected species of raptors, including the Golden Eagle and Sea Eagle, have been maimed in traps set by hunters in Eastern Slovakia. The environmental police, who is currently investigating the matter, stated that injuries to the raptors were caused by jaw-traps. These can cause amputations or leg injuries to birds that are attracted to meat placed in the traps.

Zoologist Martin Danilák stated, "We have been observing this problem since 2022. We found it during the census, or inspection of the nesting sites of the golden eagle, and this year maimed raptors were confirmed again." This was in reference to predators discovered by conservationists in the Trebišov and Michalovce regions.

"The worst part is that these traps can be bought by anyone. They are called 'rat traps,' but they are large enough to catch a fox. Personally, I think that when those traps are banned for use, they should also be banned for sale," pointed out Metod Macek from the Rescue Station for injured animals in Zázrivá.

Many of these injured raptors end up in Sečovce. The healing process is very demanding. "If they come to us in very bad condition, we need to do a veterinary examination. We then give them water, some antibiotics and a good diet." said Ľubomír Engler, manager of the breeding station in Sečovce.

Setting traps in nature is a criminal offense that is punishable by up to eight years in prison.

RTVS