The risk of wildlife accidents increases with the time change

Young wildcats now go on their own forays

According to experts, the time change also poses dangers for other animals - such as the European wildcat. Rush hour traffic in the late afternoon coincides with the most active time for these crepuscular and nocturnal animals, according to the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) in Saxony. Roads are also a major threat to endangered species such as otters, lynx and wolves.

In the case of wildcats, BUND sees a further problem. Adolescent animals are now leaving their mothers to find their own roaming areas. "At the age of around six months, the cats often embark on a dangerous journey, because in many places their habitat is cut through by busy traffic routes. Many young wildcats are thus threatened with death on the road."

Increased vigilance at dusk

Bund therefore asks drivers to be more vigilant, especially in densely wooded areas. "Keep an eye on the verges to the right and left," advised wildcat expert Marlen Schmid. And: dead wildcats should be left where they are found. It is forbidden to take the carcass with you. The locations where they are found should be documented and reported to BUND, the responsible forester or the nature conservation authorities.

According to BUND, wildcats have continued to spread in Germany in recent years. In Saxony, this species is still considered to be threatened with extinction.

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