Despite 24-hour surveillance, Gävlebocken is under attack.
Lots of birds are munching on the Christmas classic this year.
– We have never experienced this before, says Bock’s press spokesperson Anna-Karin Niemann.
This year’s Gävlebock was inaugurated last weekend and has so far survived those who want to burn it down.
But this year, the Gävlebokken has been hired by a new enemy. The threat comes from a multitude of birds looking to feed on the buck.
– We have understood that there is grain left in the straw and that is what the birds want to eat, says Gävlebokken’s press spokesperson Anna-Karin Niemann.
The reason must be the summer’s bad weather. Due to the large amount of rain, the straw was left lying and the grains remained. The Gävlebocken therefore now offers a rare delicacy for hungry winter birds. Anna Karin Neumann says that the municipality is now discussing alternatives to solve the dilemma.
– We are thinking of putting out Christmas bundles or something around the goat that can attract the birds instead, but we don’t want to attract more birds! So we’ll ask a bird expert first, she says.
“Straws hanging in the horns”
The fate of the Gävlebock is characterized by a long and fire-ravaged history. Since it was first erected in 1966, it has burned down over 30 times. The gable goat has also been wrapped as a Christmas present, hit by a car and even stolen.
However, the hungry birds are not considered a serious threat to the Gävlebokken, says Anna-Karin.
– I saw yesterday that there was some straw hanging in the horns, but it’s not like he’s about to be eaten.
– We treat these birds to some food.