Brood season in the national park: dogs have to go on a leash!

Brood season in the national park: dogs have to go on a leash!

Schleswig, Deutschland - On March 31, 2025, the breeding season in the Wadden Sea National Park, which includes the districts of Dithmarschen and Nordfriesland. During this time, a year -round linen obligation for dogs in the national park area is prescribed. The presence of dogs can trigger stress, particularly in the case of breeding birds, which can significantly disrupt the brut activities. The state company for coastal protection, national park and marine protection Schleswig-Holstein is reminiscent of this regulation and appeals to the dog owners to respect this linen obligation.

Some bird species started with the breeding season weeks ago. Factors such as weather, food supply and possible human disorders can affect breeding success. Protection zones for beach breeders were temporarily set up, particularly on strongly frequented beaches, such as St. Peter-Ording, to offer them an undisturbed habitat. The gray goose is one of the first species of birds that start with the brood, while Kiebitzen found their breeding grounds and grabbing in the courtship phase.

important regulations for dog owners

In the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, a leash in the open landscape applies from April to July, while in Schleswig-Holstein, dogs on dikes and chores always have to be on a leash. These regulations are also important to protect nature and biological diversity in the Wadden Sea, which represents an important breeding area and a rest area for many protected bird species. The national park administrations emphasize that the most sensitive areas of the national park are not dog playgrounds and therefore apply special entering rules for visitors. Young or injured seals on the beach also have to be protected from dogs because contacts with dogs can potentially transmit pathogens, including bird flu.

For more information about the breeding season and the associated regulations, see the reports of ndr and National Park Wadden Sea .