An ibis walks along the water's edge in a gull colony on an Atlantic island, collecting eggs and young from nests. This behavior, though not typical of hunting, has become a recurring event every spring for about twenty years. The most famous example of this behavior took place on the island of Noirmoutier in 2004, where two sacred ibises removed all the eggs from a colony of Sandwich terns in the Müllembourg marshes within a few hours. This event highlighted the growing presence of the sacred ibis in the region, a species that had once been confined to zoos. The presence of the sacred ibis in France began in the 1970s, when about thirty of these birds were released from a zoo in Brittany. These birds, originally brought in for their aesthetic appeal, eventually formed a wild population of over 5,000 individuals by 2006. Sacred ibises are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of prey, including the eggs and young of various bird species such as gulls, terns, and waders. Their introduction into the wild was not planned, and their population growth was uncontrolled until the late 1990s, when concerns about their impact on local ecosystems began to emerge. Efforts to manage the ibis population started in the early 2000s, with campaigns involving shooting and egg destruction. These measures were governed by annual prefectural decrees, which allowed for the regulation of the species in specific regions. Despite these efforts, the ibis population continued to grow rapidly, reaching over 5,000 individuals in western France by 2006. However, by 2017, the population had declined significantly, with only about 160 breeding pairs remaining, mostly in Loire-Atlantique. The management of the sacred ibis remains a complex challenge. While some scientists argue that the bird's impact on local biodiversity is minimal, others believe it poses a threat to protected species. Additionally, the ibis has a role in controlling other invasive species, such as the Louisiana crayfish. The bird's adaptability and wide-ranging diet make it a subject of ongoing debate among ecologists. Despite efforts to control its population, the ibis continues to be found in various parts of France, and the challenge of managing its presence remains an open issue.