A beekeeper from the Labinsky district of Kuban killed more than 30 rare European bee-eaters.

Apiary owner set traps, in which the birds became entangled and died of starvation a few days later. This was observed by neighbors, including children.

The man explained that this was how he protected the apiary from birds.

The district prosecutor's office is demanding that a criminal case be opened under the article "Cruelty to animals resulting in their death, committed in the presence of minors, with a public demonstration."

The European bee-eater is listed in the International Red Book.

For beekeepers, the bee-eater is enemy number one: it destroys a large number of forager bees, disrupting or greatly reducing honey collection.

Photo: christianholyland.com