← Back to emergency
🦢
Bird✓ Protected species

Crane

Grus grus

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1PROTECT YOUR EYES — the crane's beak is long and powerful and can cause serious injury
  2. 2Always approach from behind, immediately cover the head with a large cloth
  3. 3Two people ideally: one restrains the wings against the body, the other supports the long neck
  4. 4Sturdy transport crate or large basket — not cardboard boxes
  5. 5Report the find to Carabinieri Forestali (1515) and the nearest CRAS

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not approach from the front
  • ✗Do not attempt alone — very large and powerful bird
  • ✗Do not feed
  • ✗Do not expose to bright light or loud noise

⚠ Important note

The crane is a migratory bird that crosses Italy in autumn (October–November) and spring. Cranes found isolated during migration are often exhausted by bad weather or disoriented. The main cause of death is collision with high-voltage power lines: a crane found near pylons may have serious internal injuries not visible externally. Always report the location for migratory route monitoring.

⚖ Legal protection

Protected by the Birds Directive (Annex I) and Law 157/1992.

Also known as

common craneEurasian crane

Did you find a crane right now?

🆘 Find the nearest rescue centre →