New city hunter for Alfdorf: Fabian Probst fights against wildlife problems!

New city hunter for Alfdorf: Fabian Probst fights against wildlife problems!

On June 1, 2025, Fabian Probst from Mutlangen will officially start his duties as a city hunter in Alfdorf. In this role, he will be the central point of contact for wildlife issues in the community's pacified area. In view of the growing problems caused by wild animals, which are increasingly encroaching on residential areas, its use is of great importance. These animals can cause damage to buildings, transmit diseases and even injure pets, as [Stuttgarter Nachrichten](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/content.alfdorf-wenn-wildtiere-wild- Werden-stadtjaeger-tritt-amt-an.506dcd14-cbf1-4e4c-a057-27430c970c69.html) reports.

Probst was selected in close collaboration with Hegering head Denis Wiedmann, and Mayor Ronald Krötz was relieved to have filled this important role. He highlighted Probst's social and professional skills, who will act as a central contact not only for citizens but also for companies. This service is offered at reasonable prices.

Tasks and legal basis

The tasks of the city hunter are clearly defined and are based on Section 13a of the Hunting and Wildlife Management Act (JWMG). However, the city hunter may only take action if preventive measures are not sufficient or there is a risk to public safety due to animal diseases. In the event of conflicts on private property, Probst will only act on behalf of the property owner or authorized user, with the costs of the service being borne by the client.

In contrast to classic hunting, which is usually reserved for hunting tenants, city hunters must have completed special training. They are also hunting license holders and wildlife conservationists. This professional qualification ensures that they are well prepared for the challenges associated with urban wildlife conflicts.

Insight into training and challenges

The need for well-trained urban hunters is also evident in the recently started training course, in which 48 participants took part, as reported by Wildtierschutz Baden-Württemberg. This course was opened by Christian Schwenk, the state chairman of the city hunters, and covers topics such as settlement structures in Baden-Württemberg and other wildlife management aspects. Training is an essential component in keeping the quality of urban wildlife care high.

But the challenges are complex. City hunters must be able to analyze problems and recommend appropriate actions. This ranges from simple advice to deterrence to the actual hunting of wild animals, although the latter only occurs in special cases.

Expansion of the city hunter initiatives

The municipality of Alfdorf is also planning to recruit more urban hunters to meet the increasing need for advice and help in wildlife conflicts. Alfdorf's example is not unique. Klaus-Dieter Schmidt, who has been working as a city hunter in Sinzheim since September 2023, is also the contact person for citizens with wildlife problems, be it in the garden, in the attic or in residential areas. The contact options for Schmidt are uncomplicated and direct, which enables citizens to respond quickly to their concerns, as Sinzheim.de explains.

The initiative to hire urban hunters is a step in the right direction to improve the coexistence of humans and animals in urban areas. It is the responsibility of city hunters to provide expertise that focuses on both animal welfare and citizen safety.