Puglia wild boar surge causes road crashes and farm damage

A large wild boar crossed the SS89 between Manfredonia and Foggia, striking a vehicle driven by a young military woman. The impact damaged the car and shocked the driver, who was taken to hospital for precautionary checks but avoided serious injury. The animal died on the road.

Regional authorities report that over the 2021‑2024 period the boar population has triggered 343 traffic accidents and 571 agricultural incidents in Puglia, costing roughly €1.7 million. Damage focuses on cereal fields and fruit orchards, with the regional government allocating about €20 million for a control plan that includes culling, sterilisation, fencing, traps, new road signage and the development of a certified boar‑meat supply chain. Ministers and local politicians stress the need for structural solutions to protect public safety, agriculture and the landscape.