Austria’s Tiny Weasel Crowned 2026 Animal of the Year Amid Hunting Ban Push
Austria's least weasel has been named Animal of the Year for 2026. The announcement comes as conservation groups push for a ban on hunting both weasels and alpine marmots. Campaigners argue that current practices cause unnecessary suffering and harm to wildlife populations.
Each year, hunters in Austria kill over 9,000 least weasels. The small predators, often mistaken for ground squirrels, are not endangered and mainly feed on mice. Yet their hunting continues despite no conservation justification.
The 2026 campaign aims to end the hunting of both weasels and marmots in Austria. A ban would prevent the deaths of thousands of animals and protect vulnerable offspring. Conservationists hope the initiative will lead to stronger legal protections for these species.
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