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Bird✓ Protected species

Heron

Ardea spp.

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1WARNING: a heron's beak is a weapon — it can pierce an eye at 50 cm distance
  2. 2ALWAYS approach from behind
  3. 3Immediately throw a cloth or towel over the head — it calms almost instantly
  4. 4With the head covered: grasp the wings against the body and lift
  5. 5Large box with holes, tall enough for it to stand upright
  6. 6Contact CRAS urgently

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not approach from the front or without covering the head — serious risk of eye injury
  • ✗Do not give fish or food: herons do not eat while stationary in captivity without training
  • ✗Do not keep on hard surfaces: feet ulcerate (pododermatitis)

⚠ Important note

Herons found in urban areas are often victims of abandoned fishing nets or lines. If entangled: never cut blindly (risk of injury). Keep the head covered throughout handling. Wounds from fishing line to the beak or feet require specialist veterinary care.

⚖ Legal protection

All heron species are protected by the Birds Directive (Annex I for some species) and Law 157/1992.

Also known as

grey herongreat white egretlittle egretpurple heronnight heronsquacco heron

Did you find a heron right now?

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