Sea eagle killer suspected on Funen

Three birds discovered in past week; authorities suspect they were poisoned

Three sea eagles have been found dead on Funen just south of Svendborg.

It is suspected they have been poisoned by the same individual, and their deaths follow what appeared to be the deliberate killing of a kite in the same area of Denmark in the spring.

The  birds sustained no external damage, and there is nothing to suggest that their deaths were caused by traffic or power lines.

Not the way of the wild
The first of the dead birds of prey was found last week on Wednesday, and then another two were discovered on Monday. 

Two of them were not yet fully developed, while the other was registered as part of a breeding pair in the area.

“It’s completely unacceptable,” Kim Skelmose, the head of the Danish Ornithological Society’s ‘Project Eagle’ taskforce, told DR. “This is not the way of the wild to poison wildlife in this way.”

Appeal to police
An autopsy revealed that the kite poisoned in the spring was killed with the illegal insecticide carbofuran, and Skelmose suspects the same individual is responsible. 

The eagle discovered last week has been sent to the DTU to be examined.

“I hope and expect that the police take this case seriously,” said Skelmose. 

In 2016, carbofuran was used to kill seven sea eagles and several kestrels, golden eagles and red kites near Smørum in northern Zealand.




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees