Increase in Wild Boar Sightings Expected in Berlin, Expert Warns

Residents on the outskirts of Berlin have reported a noticeable rise in wild boar sightings, a trend confirmed by a city nature expert. Although there are no official statistics available, the expert indicates that the population of wild boars has been steadily increasing for the past six decades and is currently at a high level.

The primary factors contributing to this growth include the significant rainfall in 2023 and 2024, which provided ample food sources for the animals throughout the year. Additionally, modern agricultural practices, particularly maize cultivation, have also played a role in supporting their population.

Wild boars are omnivorous and consume a wide variety of foods, including roots, larvae, and various plant materials. As a result, they have entered the autumn season well-fed, leading to a larger population entering spring.

Common locations for wild boar sightings include neighborhoods such as Heiligensee, Allendeviertel in Treptow-Köpenick, Lichterfelde-Steglitz, and Zehlendorf-Süd. It is important to note that wild boars do not typically inhabit urban areas, preferring the transition zones between agricultural land and forest. In some regions, they have adapted to find sufficient cover and food sources.

While some residents may feel uneasy about the presence of wild boars, experts emphasize that these animals are generally not aggressive. The expert highlights that, in 25 years of monitoring, there have been no documented cases of wild boars attacking humans unless provoked or cornered. Encounters with domestic dogs can also pose risks.

Currently, it is the breeding season for female wild boars, known as sows. To give birth, they tend to leave the forested areas, as the likelihood of encountering roaming dogs is higher there. In urban settings, sows can often find more suitable hiding spots, such as unbuilt or private properties.

Signs of a sow preparing to give birth include solitary wild boars appearing, breaking branches, and creating nests from twigs and foliage. Sows will stay with their young for four to five days until the piglets are able to walk.

During typical encounters with wild boars, experts recommend staying calm, remaining still, and speaking loudly, as the animals often make noise while foraging and may not notice nearby humans. Dog owners are strongly advised to keep their pets on a leash.

Feeding wild boars, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is strongly discouraged. Additionally, the illegal disposal of organic waste near forest edges poses a significant issue, as it attracts wild boars to these areas. Items such as branches, roots, and vegetable scraps can create warm compost-like conditions that entice the animals.