German cities issue safety alerts as wild boars and wolves roam near residents

The city of Potsdam has reported a rise in wild boar sightings in urban areas, parks and other public spaces. Authorities advise residents to keep a safe distance, avoid feeding the animals, keep dogs on leashes, and report any encounters or dead boars for testing for African swine fever. The city veterinarian, Dr. Guido Schielke, stresses that while the disease does not affect humans, an outbreak could impact pig farming and hunting.

In Baden‑Württemberg, a motion‑triggered camera captured a wolf in the forest near Plüderhausen. The image was verified by the Baden‑Württemberg Forest Research Institute and the state Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection. Officials consider the animal a transient visitor, pose no heightened risk to the public, and reiterate standard precautions: stay calm, keep distance, keep dogs leashed and stay on marked paths.