Hunter kills pet raven in Caldarola, Italy

A common raven named Morla was shot and killed by a hunter in Caldarola, Italy, during a walk with its owner on September 6. The raven, a female Corvus corax, had been raised by the young woman and was accustomed to flying freely before returning to her.

The hunter claimed he mistook the bird for a crow. However, authorities noted that crows were not among the species permitted for hunting during the regional pre-season opening. Furthermore, the incident occurred near a road, where hunting safety regulations mandate specific distances and conditions for discharging firearms.

Following the incident, the Carabinieri Forestale of the Camerino unit intervened. The hunter's rifle was seized, and his hunting license has been suspended pending further investigation. The owner was able to record the individual on her mobile phone as he left the scene.