What to do when encountering suspected poisoning incidents in the Balkans – BalkanDetox LIFE

What to do when encountering suspected poisoning incidents in the Balkans – BalkanDetox LIFE

Wildlife poisoning is a serious threat in the Balkans, with devastating effects on biodiversity, domestic animals, and even human health. To address this pressing issue, we need collaboration from all stakeholders, and that involves the public. The BalkanDetox LIFE project has released public awareness videos in seven Balkan languages to inform about the dangers of poisoning and empower people to act responsibly if they encounter poison baits or poisoned animals in the region.

 

A n environmental crime that affects everyone

Wildlife poisoning is more than just a crime against nature—it’s a pressing ecological and social problem. Poison baits, commonly used to target predators or ‘unwanted’ animals like feral species, unintentionally kill many protected and endangered species as well.

Vultures, which play a key role as scavengers in the ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable because they often feed on poisoned carcasses. Over the past two decades, an estimated 2,300 vultures have died from poisoning in the Balkans alone.

But the problem doesn’t stop there. Toxic substances like Carbofuran, an illegal pesticide, are so dangerous that even tiny amounts can be fatal to humans. Despite these dangers and existing legal bans, wildlife poisoning persists due to low awareness, vague laws, and weak enforcement.

What can you do?

If you encounter dead animals, poison baits, or suspect a poisoning incident, there are three critical steps you should follow:

  1. Stay safe: Avoid touching or moving dead animals or suspicious baits—they can be highly toxic and dangerous to your health.
  2. Report it immediately: Notify local authorities so they can investigate. Poisoning is a serious crime, and professionals must handle it.
  3. Don’t disturb the scene: Poisoned animals and baits are vital evidence for identifying toxins and holding offenders accountable.

These straightforward actions can make a significant difference, helping protect both nature and public health.

Here’s how you can take action in the following countries:

 

About the BalkanDetox LIFE project

The BalkanDetox LIFE project brings together nine organizations from seven countries— Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, this five-year initiative aims to cut wildlife poisoning cases by 20%.

The project’s efforts focus on strengthening responses by improving how authorities handle poisoning incidents, fostering collaboration through the creation of national and regional networks that bring together diverse stakeholders, raising public awareness about the dangers of wildlife poisoning, and enhancing legal frameworks to ensure stronger enforcement and more effective prosecution of offenders.

Why it matters

Addressing wildlife poisoning is about more than saving animals—it’s about ensuring a safer, healthier future for everyone. The BalkanDetox LIFE project highlights that change requires collaboration: public vigilance, institutional action, and community support.

Take the first step today. Watch the videos and learn how you can help combat wildlife poisoning in your country.

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