WWF appeals for increased anti-poaching controls in Enna

The WWF Sicilia Centrale has issued a formal appeal to authorities in the province of Enna, calling for an immediate increase in wildlife surveillance and anti-poaching controls. The request follows the start of the 2026-2027 hunting season.

The association reports numerous complaints from residents regarding safety violations and non-compliance with regional hunting regulations. Specific illegal practices cited include nocturnal hunting conducted from off-road vehicles and pick-ups, where high-intensity lights are used to blind animals such as rabbits and hares before they are shot from moving vehicles.

WWF warns that these actions constitute criminal offenses under Italian law and pose a significant danger to public safety due to the use of firearms in the dark. The organization also noted that state forests, Natura 2000 sites, and nature reserves are facing continuous incursions by both individual poachers and organized groups using sentinels to monitor law enforcement movements.