Türkiye to allow controlled hunting of non-protected wild animals in risk situations

ANKARA

A new legislative proposal in the Turkish parliament is set to allow the controlled hunting of non-protected wild animals in cases where they pose risks to human health, agriculture or the environment.

Introduced as part of a broader agriculture and forestry bill approved by the parliamentary rural affairs commission, the amendment aims to address a recent rise in wild animals entering urban areas in search of food, occasionally leading to attacks and concerns over the spread of infectious diseases.

In recent years, such encounters have become more frequent in the western and southern parts of the country, particularly in Muğla.

Wild boars have increasingly been spotted roaming streets, beaches and residential neighborhoods, drawn by food waste and expanding urban areas encroaching on natural habitats.

Locals have also reported occasional sightings of bears descending from forested regions into settlements, especially during periods of food scarcity.

Under proposed changes to the hunting law, authorities would be permitted to authorize the hunting of non-protected species even during normally restricted periods or in prohibited areas.

Such measures would only be taken after an official assessment confirms that animal populations have grown to levels threatening public safety, livestock, crops or ecosystems, or are carrying contagious diseases.

The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks would be responsible for preparing joint reports with relevant institutions before any action is taken.

Hunting operations would be carried out by wildlife officers and licensed hunters, and would require official approval.

In high-risk situations, local authorities could also involve law enforcement units — including gendarmerie, police and coast guard personnel — upon approval and under the direction of provincial governors or district officials.

The proposal makes clear that fully protected species will remain exempt from any hunting measures under all circumstances.