Wild boar populations increase in residential areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Wild boar sightings are increasing in residential areas across parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, causing concern among local residents. In the Derviš neighborhood of Banja Luka, a sounder of wild boars appeared near homes, prompting experts to explain the phenomenon.

Aleksandra Anja Dragomirović from the Center for the Environment notes that the movement of wild boars into urban and peri-urban areas is driven by habitat destruction, the expansion of urban environments, and easier access to food, including human waste. Increased human activity in forests, such as motor vehicle use and hunting, also disrupts their natural habitats, leading these intelligent animals to seek peace and sustenance in settlements.

Similarly, on the Croatian island of Ist, residents report that wild boars are roaming through villages, rooting in gardens, and making nighttime movement difficult for the small, elderly population. Local residents have noted that the animals appear undeterred by human presence. In response, the County Hunting Association is discussing organized hunts to manage the population, while the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture has called on the government to amend hunting laws to ensure more responsible control of wildlife numbers.