In response to a significant increase in the beaver population, Baden-Württemberg is set to simplify the process for culling problematic beavers. The state's environment ministry, led by State Secretary Andre Baumann, has highlighted the challenges posed by the burgeoning beaver numbers, particularly in areas where their dam-building activities threaten infrastructure and agriculture. The proposed regulations aim to expedite decision-making, allowing for the culling of beavers when non-lethal measures fail to mitigate the risks within four weeks.

The current system involves a time-consuming consultation process between volunteer beaver advisors and lower nature conservation authorities, with upper authorities stepping in when solutions are elusive. The new ordinance seeks to streamline these procedures, enabling quicker responses to situations where beavers pose a direct threat to critical infrastructure such as flood protection basins, railway lines, and water treatment facilities. Baumann emphasized the importance of safety, stating, 'There can be no discount on safety.'

Beavers, once nearly extinct in Europe by the mid-20th century, have seen a remarkable resurgence since the 1970s, thanks in part to reintroduction programs. In Baden-Württemberg alone, the population has skyrocketed from approximately 650 two decades ago to over 11,000 today. While these animals are strictly protected, their natural behaviors—such as constructing dams and burrows—can lead to significant environmental and infrastructural challenges, prompting the need for a balanced management approach.

The introduction of a new clearinghouse within the environment ministry is another facet of the strategy to address beaver-related issues more effectively. This body will assist in resolving deadlocked situations, ensuring that decisions are made in a timely and pragmatic manner. The move reflects the state's commitment to safeguarding both its natural heritage and the well-being of its residents, navigating the delicate balance between conservation and community safety.