Friday, September 12, 2025
Consent Preferences
Poland 24 - News from Poland (Poland-24.com)
  • Login
  • Register
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • POLAND AND EU
  • Featured
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • War in Ukraine
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • POLAND AND EU
  • Featured
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • War in Ukraine
No Result
View All Result
Poland-24.conm
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home SOCIETY

‘Pablo Escobar of Beavers’ Urges Donald Tusk to Avoid Beaver Culling in Poland

Wildlife manager calls for alternatives to shooting animals amid concerns over dam damage.

Poland-24.com Team by Poland-24.com Team
27 September 2024
in SOCIETY
0
‘Pablo Escobar of Beavers’ Urges Donald Tusk to Avoid Beaver Culling in Poland
29
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In an impassioned plea, Gerhard Schwab, an ecologist known as the “Pablo Escobar of beavers,” has urged Poland’s Donald Tusk to reconsider plans to manage the beaver population through culling. Schwab, a self-proclaimed “good guy” despite his unusual nickname, argues that beavers, whose dam-building activities are causing problems for Polish authorities, should not be shot in an effort to protect infrastructure, particularly dams.

Schwab’s plea to Tusk, the leader of Poland’s Civic Platform party, comes amid growing calls for action against beavers in the country. Many local officials argue that the rodents’ tendency to construct dams is threatening Poland’s existing flood management systems. With rivers and waterways blocked by beaver-built structures, water levels rise, potentially leading to severe flooding. This has prompted discussions about culling the beaver population to alleviate the risks.

READ ALSO

Medieval Knight’s Tomb Uncovered Under Ice Cream Shop in Gdańsk

Germany Unveils “Temporary” Memorial Honoring Polish Victims of Nazi Occupation

The Beaver Controversy

Beavers, once nearly extinct in Europe, have made a remarkable comeback in recent decades, largely due to conservation efforts aimed at protecting wildlife. While their return has been hailed as an environmental success, it has also brought challenges. Beavers are known for their natural engineering, using sticks, logs, and mud to construct dams that block water flow in rivers and streams. While these structures create ideal habitats for the animals, they also pose threats to human infrastructure.

In Poland, beaver dams are causing issues with flood control. Their constructions can obstruct waterways, leading to water accumulation behind the dams, which increases the risk of flooding. Local governments and wildlife managers are now faced with the dilemma of how to balance protecting human settlements and infrastructure with the welfare of the animals.

Poland’s government, led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, has been under pressure to find a solution. But Schwab, who has been managing wildlife for decades and is often called upon for his expertise in beaver-related matters, believes culling the animals is not the answer.

Schwab’s Appeal

Gerhard Schwab, whose beaver advocacy has earned him the nickname “Pablo Escobar of beavers” — a moniker that plays on his reputation as a powerful, albeit benign, influence in the world of wildlife management — argues for a more humane approach. Schwab contends that instead of shooting beavers, authorities should invest in non-lethal methods to manage the situation.

“I understand the concerns about infrastructure, but shooting beavers is not the solution,” Schwab said in a recent statement. “We should be looking at ways to coexist with these animals. There are plenty of alternatives that don’t involve killing.”

Schwab is a proponent of so-called “beaver deceivers,” a method that allows water to flow through beaver dams without destroying the animals’ homes. By installing pipes through the dam, water can bypass the blockage without harming the beavers or their habitat. Schwab believes this approach could be widely adopted in Poland and serve as a model for other countries facing similar issues.

Appeal to Donald Tusk

Schwab’s message is particularly directed at Donald Tusk, the leader of Poland’s opposition Civic Platform party. Tusk, who has previously held high-level positions in both Poland and the European Union, is seen as a potential future leader. Schwab is calling on him to take a stand for wildlife conservation and encourage more sustainable methods of managing the beaver population.

“I’m urging Mr. Tusk to take a stance on this issue. Poland doesn’t need to declare war on beavers. There are better ways to protect infrastructure without harming these animals,” Schwab said.

He also added that public sentiment in many parts of Europe is increasingly opposed to killing animals, especially when humane alternatives exist. Schwab believes that promoting non-lethal solutions could help Tusk and other Polish leaders gain support from environmentally conscious voters.

Beavers’ Role in Ecosystems

Beavers play an essential role in ecosystems. Their dams help create wetlands, which are crucial for biodiversity. These wetlands support numerous species of plants and animals, provide natural water filtration, and help regulate water flow during times of drought and heavy rain. Removing beavers from the environment can disrupt these delicate ecosystems, which is why Schwab and other conservationists argue for their protection.

However, in Poland, beavers are often seen as pests rather than protectors of biodiversity. With their population growing and their dam-building activities becoming more common, the debate over how to handle them has escalated.

A Delicate Balance

The tension between human infrastructure needs and wildlife conservation is not unique to Poland. Across Europe, countries are grappling with how to manage beaver populations, which have rebounded significantly after centuries of decline. While their return has been celebrated by environmentalists, it has created practical challenges for local governments.

Schwab’s call for a reconsideration of Poland’s approach to beavers highlights the need for a balanced strategy — one that protects both people and animals. As Poland continues to debate the future of its beaver population, Schwab’s voice serves as a reminder that even the most problematic animals can have a place in modern landscapes if managed thoughtfully.

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive weekly recap of News from Poland.

Every Saturday.

We don’t spam!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive weekly recap of News from Poland.

Every Saturday.

We don’t spam!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Tags: Donald TuskFloodspolandPolish PM

Related Posts

Medieval Knight’s Tomb Uncovered Under Ice Cream Shop in Gdańsk
SOCIETY

Medieval Knight’s Tomb Uncovered Under Ice Cream Shop in Gdańsk

8 September 2025
Germany Unveils “Temporary” Memorial Honoring Polish Victims of Nazi Occupation
Featured

Germany Unveils “Temporary” Memorial Honoring Polish Victims of Nazi Occupation

17 June 2025
poznan, old town square, old, town, historic, colors, buildings, poland, town hall, poznan, poznan, poznan, poznan, poznan
Travel

Polish City Named Top Summer Travel Destination by British Media

11 May 2025
Antoni Słodkowski Makes History as First Pole to Win Second Pulitzer Prize
SOCIETY

Antoni Słodkowski Makes History as First Pole to Win Second Pulitzer Prize

11 May 2025
Dog Rescued After Days Trapped Beneath Breakwater in Northern Poland
SOCIETY

Dog Rescued After Days Trapped Beneath Breakwater in Northern Poland

24 April 2025
strawberries in bowl
SOCIETY

Polish Kashubian Strawberry Ranks Second Best Fruit Globally

11 April 2025

POPULAR NEWS

Hollywood Actor Jesse Eisenberg Seeks Polish Citizenship

Hollywood Actor Jesse Eisenberg Seeks Polish Citizenship

24 May 2024
Barbara Prymakowska: European Half Marathon Champion at 82

Barbara Prymakowska: European Half Marathon Champion at 82

29 May 2024
Polish Apple Pie Crowned Best Sweet Cake in the World

Polish Apple Pie Crowned Best Sweet Cake in the World

21 May 2024
Discover Open’er 2024: A Must-Visit Major Music Festival in Poland

Discover Open’er 2024: A Must-Visit Major Music Festival in Poland

16 June 2024
Renowned Director Darren Aronofsky Receives Polish Citizenship

Renowned Director Darren Aronofsky Receives Polish Citizenship

5 June 2024

EDITOR'S PICK

blue and white flags on pole

EU Hits Record Approval as Poland Leads Way in European Enthusiasm

31 March 2025
Poland Votes: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2025 Presidential Election

Exit Polls Reveal Tight Polish Presidential Race, Runoff Set for June.

18 May 2025
Polish Student Places Third in Prestigious Global Science Competition

Polish Student Places Third in Prestigious Global Science Competition

28 June 2024
Tusk to Meet with Intelligence Chiefs Amid Growing Concerns Over National Security

Tusk to Meet with Intelligence Chiefs Amid Growing Concerns Over National Security

7 May 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter Instagram

About

We bring you the most accurate News from Poland, every day.

If you are interested in advertising on Poland-24.com please email info@poland-24.com

Follow us

Popular this month

  • Poland Sends 40,000 Troops to Border as Russia Launches Major War Drills

    Poland Sends 40,000 Troops to Border as Russia Launches Major War Drills

    25 shares
    Share 10 Tweet 6
  • Russian Drones Invade Polish Skies: NATO, and EU Allies Rally as Nation Faces Unprecedented Threat

    18 shares
    Share 7 Tweet 5
  • Poland Activates NATO Article 4 After Russian Drone Incursion, Elevates Military Readiness

    17 shares
    Share 7 Tweet 4
  • Christmas Market in Poland Crowned Best in Europe

    44 shares
    Share 18 Tweet 11

Recent Posts

  • Poland Closes Belarus Border Amid Military Tensions, Citing Security Threats
  • Poland Sends 40,000 Troops to Border as Russia Launches Major War Drills
  • Fifty-Two Prisoners Freed From Belarus, Including Polish Nationals
  • Thieves Steal and Abandon Car Belonging to Polish Prime Minister’s Family

© 2022 Poland-24.com

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • POLAND AND EU
  • Featured
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • War in Ukraine

© 2022 Poland-24.com