Corpses of hundreds of dead birds removed in Stralsund - Hundreds of dead birds wash ashore as Baltic coast faces winter crisis
Authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are clearing hundreds of dead birds from coastal areas. The mass die-off has struck particularly hard in Stralsund, where carcasses are being removed by the fire brigade and sanitation teams. Experts point to extreme winter conditions as the main cause of the deaths.
Harsh weather and food shortages have driven the widespread bird deaths along the Baltic coast. Many species, unable to migrate south, are struggling to survive in freezing temperatures. On the island of Rügen, dead birds have also been collected in large numbers.
Tests on the carcasses revealed starvation and parasitic infestations as primary factors. A small number of cases showed traces of avian influenza, though it remains unclear whether the virus directly caused the deaths. The situation is expected to continue until coastal ice melts and food becomes more accessible.
Despite the grim scene, the carcasses are providing an unexpected food source for local wildlife. White-tailed eagles, a strictly protected species, have been spotted feeding on the remains as they prepare for breeding season. Over the past five years, their numbers in the region have risen from around 120 to over 200 breeding pairs, thanks to habitat protection and conservation efforts.
The disposal of dead birds is ongoing, with Stralsund alone reporting hundreds of carcasses collected in recent days. While the cold snap is the main driver of the die-off, the impact on local ecosystems remains under observation. Authorities will keep monitoring the situation as temperatures gradually rise.
