Wild Boar in the Garden? I’d Rather Not!

Wild boar can overturn flowerbeds, raid compost heaps and rubbish bins, and leave extensive garden damage. They are powerful animals with sharp tusks, so they should never be approached, touched, fed, trapped or cornered.

What to do if you encounter a wild boar

• Remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
• Back away slowly while leaving the animal a clear escape route.
• Never move between a sow and her piglets.
• Keep away from injured animals, which may react defensively.
• Contact the appropriate local wildlife authority or police if an animal presents an immediate danger or cannot leave safely.

How to protect the garden

• Install a sturdy fence about 1.5 metres high, with a concrete base or a strong barrier extending below ground to prevent animals from pushing or digging underneath.
• Keep gates, garage doors and driveways securely closed.
• Do not feed wild boar. Feeding encourages them to lose their natural caution around people and return repeatedly.
• Keep food scraps off open compost heaps and use secure containers for household food waste.
• Do not leave rubbish bags or accessible bins outdoors.
• Remove or restrict access to muddy pools and other water sources that may attract wallowing animals.
• Collect fallen fruit and protect vegetables, salad crops, mushrooms and herbs.

Legal considerations

Rules governing wild-boar control vary by location. In places such as gardens, playgrounds and parks, hunting or trapping may require special authorization. Property owners should seek guidance from local wildlife professionals rather than attempting to remove the animal themselves.