Wednesday, 23 October
Wild boar plague, Treptow-Köpenick takes a hit
Who let the pigs out? It seems this year there are some wild boars on the loose, as large herds are reportedly roaming the streets of several districts around Treptow-Köpenick, destroying green spaces and causing mayhem amongst residents.
The Forestry Office, however, has described the situation as normal. The wild boar population develops in waves and is largely dependent on how well they can sustain themselves given their physical environment. Last year, for instance, they had good living conditions so there are many boars out searching for food.
According to State Secretary Britta Behrendt, from the Senate Department for the Environment, boars are extremely adaptable mammals, still being able to reproduce under harsh conditions, making it difficult for scientists to accurately record their population.
Wild boars reportedly roam the districts of Treptow-Köpenick in large packs of up to 20 animals. The ‘urbanisation’ of these forest dwellers is a major concern amongst residents, as the mammals expand their search for food. “Some property owners have created lawns on the side of the road, which they maintain and water, especially in summer. However, these…areas also provide insects, such as beetles, with suitable places to lay their eggs. If these insects grow into grubs, they could be the main reason why wild boars dig in search of food,” explains Behrendt.
There are currently no measures in place to deal with this growing concern and it is up to the discretion of the property owners to implement means of prevention.
