In Erding, Germany, the city has been grappling with an overwhelming population of seed crows in the city park for the past decade, with the latest count reaching 1,750 breeding pairs and about 3,500 birds. The noise generated by these crows has become unbearable for residents of the nearby nursing home and schools, making it difficult for them to open their windows. Additionally, the droppings from the birds are causing damage to parked cars and public parks, while local farmers report significant losses due to the crows consuming seed kernels and damaging crops, leading to an estimated annual cost of around 80,000 euros for the agricultural sector.

After years of unsuccessful attempts to mitigate the crow issue through nest removal and other methods, the Bavarian government has approved a new approach following a research project from Weihenstephan University. Starting immediately, and only until the bird protection season commences on March 15, a falconer and a hunter will be deployed in the city park and a nearby composting facility, targeting the crows in their primary feeding areas. This strategy represents a significant shift in the city's approach to wildlife management and highlights the ongoing conflicts between urban wildlife and human residents.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate goal of reducing the crow population, as it raises questions about the ethical treatment of wildlife and the effectiveness of such methods in addressing urban wildlife challenges. This action may set a precedent for how other cities in Germany and beyond deal with similar situations where human and animal populations intersect, emphasizing the need for balanced and sustainable solutions to urban wildlife issues.