Support Services from the Carinthian Wildlife Damage Fund

The Carinthian Wildlife Damage Fund offers a non-repayable grant year-round for damages caused by protected wildlife species such as bears, wolves, lynxes, beavers, and otters in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and beekeeping. The aim is to compensate owners and managers of fish ponds, flowing waters, agricultural and forestry lands, alpine pastures, and apiaries quickly and without bureaucracy. Economic losses are supported, for example, through rent reductions, losses in fishing license sales, veterinary costs for injured livestock, or beekeeping notifications in accordance with the K-BiWG. The assistance is intended to relieve the affected sectors, strengthen animal welfare, and contribute to the preservation of climate-resilient land use.

An application can be submitted online at any time to the office of the Carinthian Wildlife Damage Fund. A prerequisite is proof of management rights (e.g., lease agreement) for applicants who are not owners, as well as the completeness of the required documents and evidence according to the type of damage. For fish ponds, stocking invoices must be provided; for flowing waters, economic losses must be demonstrated; in cases of livestock losses, veterinary bills are required; and for beehive damages, the notification according to the K-BiWG must be submitted. Damages must be reported immediately, no later than within 14 days (for forest damages within six months; flowing water notifications annually). Digital submission ensures prompt processing and sustainably supports regional development in Carinthia.