Wild boar populations in Europe have grown substantially in recent decades, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and intensive culling programmes that raise welfare questions.
Wild boar management in Europe increasingly involves intensive culling at levels that raise welfare concerns. High-volume night shooting, snaring, and pack hunting with dogs are all used, with variable welfare outcomes. Wounded animals that escape may suffer for extended periods before dying. Disruption of social family groups causes distress and can actually increase reproductive rates in the short term, counter-productively increasing population growth. Welfare-positive wild boar management seeks to achieve population control targets through methods with high shot accuracy, minimal wounding rates, and rapid death. Reducing agricultural attractants, improving fencing, and targeted removal of problem individuals can reduce conflict without the welfare costs of blanket culling campaigns.