Messina Police seize unauthorized wild boar trap in Acquedolci

The Messina Metropolitan Police seized a large, unauthorized, handmade iron cage designed for capturing wild boars in Acquedolci. The discovery occurred on September 5 during a foot patrol in the wooded Contrada Badetta area near Fiumara Furiano, coinciding with the first day of the hunting season pre-opening.

Investigations by the Messina Wildlife Division and the Regional Department of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed the device lacked any official permits or markings. Authorities also determined the trap was not part of any authorized programs for wild boar containment or African Swine Fever (ASF) management. The trap featured guillotine gates and a functional spring-loaded trigger mechanism capable of capturing medium-to-large wildlife.

After monitoring the site for several hours without locating the individuals responsible for the installation, officers deactivated the mechanism and removed the structure. A report has been filed with the Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Patti against unknown persons. This incident marks the fifth seizure of a large-scale trap by the Metropolitan Police in the province within the last month, following similar discoveries in Mazzarrà Sant’Andrea, Castroreale, and Montagnareale.