Wild boar populations in Europe have expanded dramatically. Managing human-wildlife conflict and hunting practices requires careful attention to the welfare of these intelligent animals.
Wild boar management creates significant welfare challenges for a species known for high intelligence and social complexity. Driven hunts involving large numbers of hunters and dogs cause intense fear and stress. Shot placement is often sub-optimal, resulting in wounding and delayed death. ASF has caused massive population crashes in affected areas with significant individual suffering. Human-wildlife conflict management including electrified fencing and targeted lethal control represents a more welfare-conscious approach. Developing welfare standards for wild boar hunting including accuracy requirements would reduce suffering.