Minister of the Environment Serge Wilmes recently responded to a parliamentary question regarding the issues surrounding the presence of crows and raccoons in Luxembourg.

Crows have increasingly moved away from their natural habitats into urban areas, a shift that has frustrated many residents. Complaints primarily focus on the noise the birds make at sunrise and the mess they leave behind on cars, pavements, school courtyards, playgrounds, and parks.

Two years ago, municipalities were encouraged to develop management plans to reduce conflicts between residents and crows. However, only a very small number of municipalities, in collaboration with experts, have drafted such plans, which involve measures like scarecrows or tree pruning to deter the birds. Minister Wilmes did not specify which municipalities have implemented these plans, and the effectiveness of these measures remains unclear.

The municipalities of Luxembourg City, Dudelange, and Bettembourg have requested and received permission to take more direct action by relocating crow nests to different areas. However, it should be noted that it has been known for years, as reported by emwelt.lu a year and a half ago, that relocating crow nests does not work and can even be counterproductive. This was already demonstrated in 2013 at the old Luxlait site in Mersch.

Regarding raccoons, these animals have been present in Luxembourg for about 45 years and have gradually spread southward. Since 2011, raccoons have been subject to hunting regulations, and over the past decade, the number of raccoons culled during hunts has increased from 600 to nearly 1,400 animals.

To mitigate the impact of this non-native and invasive species, hunting will continue in accordance with European regulations. The method of capturing and sterilising raccoons has not yet been implemented in Luxembourg.