Wild boars conquer Ennepetal: residents on alert!

Wild boars conquer Ennepetal: residents on alert!

The wild boar problem in Ennepetal is causing the residents' tempers to run high. More and more of these animals are invading residential areas and causing devastating damage to gardens and meadows. How Radio Ennepe Ruhr reported that the wild boars in the EN district, especially in Ennepetal, have grown significantly. A resident reported that front gardens and meadows had been torn up, which noticeably worried the residents.

Last week a group of wild boars was observed digging up the grounds of the Reichenbach High School. Fortunately, according to the city administration, there is no danger to the students as the incidents mostly occur at night. But the residents' concerns are not unfounded. Mothers and fathers in particular have concerns about the safety of their children, especially in the residential area on Ebbinghauser Weg, where the damage is already serious. Heike Steimann-Monse, a concerned resident, says that the wild boars could even break through fences. There is also a fear that the animals could be too aggressive when they are hungry.

Petition for more hunting

Julia Bursa, also a local resident, has launched an online petition to encourage the city of Ennepetal to make moves to regulate the wild boar population. It clearly highlights how dangerous wild boars can be for children. Another resident, Karin Latuske, who is also the tenant of the adjacent forest, explains that no shooting is allowed in the residential area because it is a pacified area. It also warns of the dangers that could arise from ricocheting shots.

The increasing wild boar population is attributed to mild winters and sufficient feeding opportunities. This year, almost 50 wild boars have already been shot in neighboring hunting areas. Loud WDR Wild boars are also known to be attracted by discarded food. Residents are therefore appealed not to throw food into the countryside in order to keep the animals away.

Wild boars in Germany

But how many wild boars are there in Germany? A spectacular number cannot be precisely named, but estimates put the numbers between 1.2 and 2.2 million animals. On average, around 614,000 wild boars have been killed annually over the past ten years. Where the increasing density comes from is controversial. According to the opinion, intensive hunting alone cannot reduce the population Wildlife protection Germany. Current research shows that a consistent reduction of wild boars by 70% is unrealistic, as this would require shooting between 1.1 and 1.6 million wild boars annually, which is considered completely illusory.

In the face of these challenges, the situation in Ennepetal is a reflection of the persistent wild boar problem that can be observed in many communities. Whether through hunting or other measures, the city is faced with the task of finding a solution that both ensures the safety of residents and respects wild boar habitat.