World · Europe · 59 mins ago
Zurich tests new measures to keep wild boars out of fields
Wild boar numbers are rising in Switzerland’s canton of Zurich, where an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 animals live in forests and fields.
Hunters kill 1,300 to 1,500 each year, but the population still grows by as many as 300 animals annually.
Good food supplies and mild winters help the animals survive and reproduce.
Boars often damage maize and wheat fields, and the canton paid farmers 380,000 Swiss francs in each of the past two years for losses and repairs.
The canton will use human-sweat scent and warning sounds to try to move the animals away from fields and into forests.
It also plans targeted night hunting on fields, using night-vision equipment with prior approval.
The measures are designed to limit crop damage while keeping the boar population healthy.
The trial will run until mid-2028, when the canton expects to have enough experience to assess the approach.
Zurich canton is testing new measures to keep wild boars out of fields and encourage them to stay in forests.
The plan uses a scent that smells of human sweat, recordings of wild boar warning or distress calls, and targeted hunting.
The canton says there are currently between 2,500 and 3,000 wild boars in its forests and fields, and the population is growing by up to 300 a year.
The measures will be tested until mid-2028.
Wild boars have caused major crop damage this year after entering maize fields earlier than usual, reportedly seeking moisture from the stalks.
- Who
- Zurich canton and its hunters are testing measures to manage wild boars.
- What
- The plan uses deterrent scents, recorded calls and targeted hunting to move boars away from fields.
- When
- The trial will run until mid-2028.
- Where
- In the canton of Zurich, especially areas where wild boars and crop damage are common.
- Why
- The canton aims to reduce damage to fields and encourage boars to spend more time in forests.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Zurich canton paid farmers 380,000 francs per year in compensation for lost yields or restoration of pasture.
Wild boars entered maize fields earlier than usual, driven by thirst, and crop damage was very large.
The canton will test its new wild boar management plan and hopes to gather useful evidence.
- Wild boar population
- 2,500 to 3,000 animals in Zurich canton
- Annual population growth
- Up to 300 animals
- Annual hunting total
- 1,300 to 1,500 wild boars
- Farmer compensation
- 380,000 francs in each of the last two years
- Trial period
- Until mid-2028
What people are saying
They find almost unlimited food in our fields all year round, as well as acorns in the forest.
If it keeps smelling or banging and then nothing happens, they remember it.
Our goal is a healthy population with natural structures.
Sources
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