Wild boars damage gravesites in Rheinland-Pfalz cities

Wild boars are causing significant damage to gravesites in several cities within the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, including Koblenz, Kaiserslautern, and Trier. The animals are particularly drawn to cemeteries located near forested areas, where they find abundant food sources such as plants, roots, and insects.

Local authorities note that cemeteries serve as safe havens for the animals because hunting is often prohibited in these areas. Additionally, ongoing drought conditions have driven wild boars to seek out moist soil, making freshly watered graves particularly attractive targets. In Kaiserslautern, officials reported that boars have dug up graves in the Mölschbach cemetery, scattering earth and flowers.

Municipalities are collaborating with hunting authorities to implement deterrent strategies. Koblenz is utilizing special permits for individual hunting, while Trier and Kaiserslautern are focusing on the installation of more robust fencing to protect the sites.