Storks in Bavaria: Rubber bands pose a dangerous threat to birdlife!

Storks in Bavaria: Rubber bands pose a dangerous threat to birdlife!

A worrying phenomenon among our feathered friends: The State Association for Bird and Nature Conservation (LBV) reports numerous deaths among white storks in Bavaria that can be attributed to the consumption of rubber bands. This harmless everyday product, which can be found in many households, is often confused by storks with earthworms. The tragic consequences are the starvation of animals with overfilled stomachs, which are characterized by the dangerous plastic straps Franconian day reported.

In a specific case, a weakened young stork in Langengeisling died due to the rubber bands in its stomach. The doctors at the veterinary clinic were no longer able to help the bird because the rubber bands were blocking its digestion. This is not an isolated case: Conservationists repeatedly find rubber bands in the stomachs of dead storks Northern Bavaria reported. This lasting threat has to give us pause!

The garbage problem in detail

However, the problem of plastic does not only affect storks. In general, it is a serious issue that massively endangers all wildlife, both on land and in water. At the same time, the LBV points out the sad reality that plastic waste, including rubber bands, ends up in nature through incorrect waste separation or intentional littering. We humans therefore have a great responsibility for the safety of the animals that live in our environment.

But why are rubber bands so dangerous? In addition to the fact that the birds eat them instead of finding their natural food, the bands of tissue block their digestive tract. The result: The storks starve to death while their stomachs are filled with uneconomical plastic.

Beyond the borders

The effects of plastic waste are a global problem that raises red flags not only in Bavaria, but also on the seas and oceans. Loud WWF Seabirds, sea turtles and whales are among the worst victims of this crisis. Your encounter with plastic often has fatal consequences – from constipation to starvation.

The sad reality is that up to 60% of whales have plastic in their stomachs. The pollution is particularly harmful to young animals, such as sea turtles, who have a high chance of dying if they swallow plastic.

What can we do?

In order to reduce the dangers for our animal companions, the LBV appeals to all consumers: please put rubber bands in the residual waste and not in the compost! By properly separating waste, we can make a significant contribution and protect our nature to some extent. Let’s tackle it and do the right thing for our animals!