Nature conservationists call for open barns for mouse hunters - Bavaria's deep snow leaves owls and raptors starving—here's how to help
Heavy snowfall across Bavaria has left owls and raptors struggling to find food. With deep snow covering their usual hunting grounds, these birds now face starvation. Wildlife organisations have stepped in with urgent advice to prevent a decline in their numbers.
The problem stems from prolonged snow blocking access to rodents, the main food source for many birds of prey. In the past, barns and stables often had small openings—known as owl holes—that allowed these hunters to enter and control rodent populations naturally. Now, such features are rare, leaving owls with fewer options.
The Bavarian Society for the Protection of Birds (LBV) has called on farmers and landowners to take simple steps. Opening a barn window or leaving a gap in a door can give owls access to shelter and prey. For a longer-term solution, artificial rodent shelters called mouse castles—equipped with feeding stations—can attract mice and sustain hunting birds over time.
On 30 January 2026, wildlife group Ökotierschutz e.V. issued specific feeding guidelines. They recommended placing fresh or thawed day-old chicks, finely chopped mice, or quail eggs in protected spots like barns or under roofs. Clearing small patches of snow also helps small mammals move around, indirectly aiding the owls that hunt them.
Without intervention, extended snow cover could lead to starvation and a drop in owl and raptor populations. The measures suggested—opening shelters, providing food, and clearing snow—offer practical ways to support these birds. Wildlife groups stress that even small actions can make a difference during harsh winter conditions.
