Wild boars in Dortmund: Red alert for drivers!

Wild boars in Dortmund: Red alert for drivers!

The sightings of wild boars in Dortmund are increasing - especially in the districts of Lütgendortmund and Bövinghausen. The animals repeatedly invade inhabited areas, which leads to worrying situations. Forester Winfried Hardes reports that the wild boars managed to overcome the motorway rings, which was long considered one of the reasons why they were not native to Dortmund. But with increasing population pressure, the animals are increasingly spreading, which poses new challenges for city residents, as radio912.de reports.

It was only on Friday that police operations took place in Lütgendortmund when wild boars were spotted on the entrance and exit of the A40. Targeted shots were fired to drive the animals away from the highway. Fortunately, the police managed to successfully drive the animals away. However, it remains to be hoped that such incidents do not become a habit, as a recent incident shows the dangers: Yesterday there was an accident on the A40 near Bochum-Werne in which five wild boars were fatally injured and four cars were damaged. This was a mother wild boar with her young who wanted to cross the highway, as WDR reports.

Tips for avoiding wildlife accidents

With the increasing risk of accidents, the ADAC is warning drivers to be careful. Significantly reducing speed or even braking completely can be life-saving in critical situations. Turning off the high beams to avoid blinding the animals and honking the horn can also be helpful in scaring wild boars off the road. In the event of a collision, you should definitely turn on the hazard warning lights, put on a high-visibility vest and secure the scene of the accident.

Wild boars are not just an urban phenomenon: they play an important role within the ecosystem in Germany and are present in both rural and urban areas. Around 600,000 wild boars are killed every year, with the population having grown steadily since the 1980s, currently to around two to three million animals. The main reasons for this growth include mild winters and optimal feeding conditions, while natural enemies increase. A fact that brings with it not only ecological, but also agricultural and traffic safety challenges, as wildtierwelt.de explains.

Overall, it is important that we are aware of the challenges that come with living with wild boars. Interdisciplinary cooperation between nature conservation, agriculture and traffic safety is crucial for harmonious coexistence in our growing wild boar population. Because if we respect nature and treat animals consciously, we may be able to drive through the city and on country roads more carefree in the future.