Mole conservation in Germany: Rights and obligations in the garden
The protection of moles is clearly defined in German law. Moles are considered a strictly protected species and fall under the purview of nature conservation because they are extremely valuable for healthy soils. They eat pests such as grubs, loosen heavy soil, and ensure that water and air penetrate the soil more effectively. These functions make them an important part of the ecosystem and explain why humans are not allowed to forcibly remove them.
Mole is protected under the law
Legal protection is based on the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. The mole is among the specially protected species under these laws. Therefore, the legal provisions that place the mole under nature conservation apply.
The following are prohibited:
- to injure the mole
- kill the mole
- Setting traps or poison
- to catch him or to keep him captive
- destroy or actively damage its buildings
Indirect threats, such as the use of unsuitable chemical agents, are also considered a violation of species protection laws.
What is allowed and what remains forbidden
If you want to protect your garden permanently, you can opt for animal-friendly and effective preventative measures that won't harm any moles. A mole barrier prevents moles from tunneling into new areas of the garden without endangering the animals.
For an overview of completely prohibited methods and solutions for keeping your garden mole-free, we also recommend the supplementary article on prohibited methods against moles .
Moles are a protected species: These are the possible fines
Anyone who violates species protection laws faces serious consequences. Penalties for violations of nature conservation laws concerning moles vary depending on the federal state and usually range between €5,000 and €50,000. Even higher fines are possible in cases of serious offenses, such as the deliberate killing of a mole.
Even negligent violations will be punished. Anyone using a prohibited substance without research risks an immediate fine. If in doubt, always contact the relevant authority.
Protect moles while still maintaining a usable garden
Protecting moles isn't about hindering garden owners, but about preserving the species and its ecological function. Those who know the rules can usually find straightforward ways to manage molehills without risking fines or legal trouble. With the right legal and animal-friendly measures, the garden remains usable, and the mole can continue its important work underground.
