Wild boar populations are expanding across Europe and North America, generating human-wildlife conflict over crop damage, road safety, and disease. Welfare-conscious management approaches exist but are inconsistently applied.
Wild boar management involves genuine welfare challenges for both wild animals and affected humans. Culling, where necessary, should be conducted with humane methods — high-powered rifles with trained shooters — and wounding rates monitored and minimised. Snaring and trapping, where used, cause significant suffering and should be replaced by alternatives where possible. Non-lethal deterrence for crop protection, combined with driver warning systems on high-risk roads, can reduce conflict without lethal control. Community engagement to develop locally appropriate management plans produces better outcomes than top-down culling programmes.