QUITE A BOAR PREHISTORIC TIMES

Sharp wild boar rises is causing more accidents and destroying farmland

WILD boar sightings have soared in the Valencian Community.

According to official Ministry of Agriculture figures, 404 municipalities reported sightings last year, compared to 283 in 2021.

Boars are attracted to the periphery of towns and cities to feed on garbage which becomes a quick and convenient diet. With the absence of predators the circumstances are creating 'all-you-can-eat' buffets as the boars trample through and destroy farmland to access food. Besides damaging crops, the boars also cause road accidents as they suddenly appear in front of vehicles - often at night.

Hunting is seen as an answer to controlling boar populations but it is 'only appropriate' in certain cases.

Despite the rise in shooting, the population has continued to rise because boars respond to culls with uncontrolled breeding.

Environmental group Gecen is appealing for management by live capture with trap cages, which have already proved effective in Catalunya.

Councils also have the option of