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The Ministry of Environment has given the go-ahead for wild boar population control in built-up areas across several municipalities in the Region of Murcia.

 

The regional government has authorised a framework allowing Totana, Blanca, Cehegín and Cartagena to tackle the growing problem of boar wandering into residential areas in search of food. Lately, the animals have been causing increasing disruption to locals, damaging gardens and crops and creating dangerous situations on roads, not to mention public health concerns.

 

According to the experts, wild boar entering or moving near inhabited areas can pose health and safety risks to people, on top of causing property damage. The aim is to give councils the tools they need to respond quickly when boar turn up in towns, allowing them to act in an organised and safe way using their own resources or through contracted companies.

 

To improve capture rates, the authorities are allowing traps and cages to be placed in areas next to urban zones on land where owners have given permission. Hunting associations in affected municipalities can also get involved, and baiting the traps with corn to boost their effectiveness is now permitted.

 

In “exceptional cases”, when animals enter the trap cages, they can be slaughtered at very short distances without quota limits. Animal welfare conditions must be followed, prioritising a quick kill and avoiding risks from using larger calibre weapons. The handling of carcasses will follow current regional regulations to prevent problems from wild boar and feral pig numbers getting out of hand.

 

For the purposes of the order, “urban environment” includes town centres and housing developments, industrial estates and public spaces like gardens, parks, beaches, sports facilities and recreational areas.

 

Council staff or authorised companies can use cages, traps or other methods, and when firearms or bows are appropriate, security forces must establish a proper safety perimeter based on the level of risk. Municipalities have to report back to the Directorate General on what actions they've taken and the results.

 

Image: CARM