Main points
- From April 1 to June 15, the “silent season” lasts in Ukraine – the period of animal reproduction in the wild.
- At this time, it is prohibited to create excessive noise in forests, steppes, and near water bodies, and violation of restrictions is punishable by a fine.
What are the rules of the “silent season” in Ukraine / Collage of Channel 24
In the spring, people increasingly go out into nature for relaxation, emotional recharge, or physical activity. However, from April 1 to June 15, the “silent season” will last.
What can't you do during the “silent season”?
This is the period when animals in the wild reproduce, the World Wildlife Fund explained. There are prohibitions for Ukrainians during this time, the violation of which is punishable by law.
The restrictions apply to those who conduct economic activities in forests, steppes, and near water bodies, as well as those who live there or are tourists. This primarily applies to sources of increased noise .
The list of prohibitions is contained in Article 39 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Animal World”:
- carrying out blasting works, shooting;
- launching fireworks;
- organization of concerts and festivals;
- holding rallies and other competitions on vehicles;
- use of small motorized vessels;
- sanitary felling of forests, etc.
Fines for non-compliance with the rules are prescribed in Article 87 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Ukrainians can pay from 30 to 50 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, that is, 510 – 850 hryvnias . However, for officials, the amount is higher (50 – 70 non-taxable minimums) – from 850 to 1,190 hryvnias.
Recommendations for the “silent season” / Photo by WWF-Ukraine
Important! Primroses are rare plants, and some of them – including snowdrops, crocuses, white flowers, nightshade, and wild garlic – are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
It is prohibited to pick or dig up such plants, as this leads to a reduction in their populations and may put certain species at risk of complete extinction.
What other prohibitions are in force in Ukraine?
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As a reminder, the ban on pike fishing in Ukraine expires on April 1, as the spawning activity of this freshwater predator begins much earlier than that of other fish.
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But catching crayfish is prohibited until June 30. The exception is the reservoirs of the Transcarpathian region, where restrictions are in effect year-round due to the Red Book crayfish. The fine for one individual is 3,332 hryvnias.