As wild boar populations expand into agricultural and urban areas, managing conflict while respecting animal welfare requires careful planning.
Wild boar shot during culls may be wounded rather than killed, leading to prolonged suffering if not followed up. Piglets can be orphaned mid-winter when sows are shot during lactation. Snares and traps used in some regions cause significant suffering. Effective non-lethal management — robust fencing, habitat modification, and exclusion — can reduce the pressure for lethal culling. Where lethal control is deemed necessary, best-practice guidelines emphasise single-shot kills by trained markspeople and avoidance of breeding seasons.