»Treat our wild animals with respect!«

Created: 01/25/2022, 02:00 p.m

A mountain hare in camouflage.

© (symbol image) peterwey

Region – Winter is far from over in Bavaria.

Whether with or without fresh snow - people are drawn out into nature, onto the slopes, cross-country ski runs and hiking trails.

For this reason, Forest Minister Michaela Kaniber has now called on all those seeking relaxation and recreational athletes to show respect and consideration for wild animals.

"Especially during the cold season, our native game urgently needs rest.

Therefore, please stay on the paths, routes and slopes during your leisure activities and avoid unnecessary stress for the animals," says Minister Michaela Kaniber.

According to her, the wild animals are currently in "energy-saving mode".

They feed on fat reserves that they have built up during the summer and autumn months in order to get through the hardships of winter.

Kaniber therefore shows no understanding for all those who stay away from slopes and paths, cause unnecessary noise, are out and about at night with headlamps or even wantonly cause disturbances. Because that would also thwart the many commendable initiatives for nature-friendly sport on site. “Our wild animals are part of our Bavarian homeland and we have to treat them with respect. Only with consideration and prudence can we preserve our nature with all its beauty and diversity!” said the minister.

Our native wild animals have developed various strategies to survive the cold season and possible food shortages in winter.

The best-known hibernation strategies include hibernation (marmots) and hibernation (badgers, raccoons).

The animals reduce their metabolism and fall into a state of rest.

Other wild animals escape the scarce food supply in our latitudes and migrate to other areas (woodcock, turtle dove).

And what do roe deer, red, chamois and ibex do in winter?

In the course of evolution, our hoofed game species have developed various strategies to get by with little food and cold temperatures in winter.

Their tactic: save energy.

Further information on the adaptation strategies of deer, deer and Co. to the cold season is available on the Bavarian wildlife portal of the State Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry:

www.wild-tierportal.bayern.de/wildtiere_bayern/215953/index.php.