Wild boar numbers soar in Spain forcing authorities to intervene
Wild boars are running amok in some Spanish cities, attacking residents and forcing authorities to capture them and put them down.
Earlier this month a girl was taken to hospital after being injured by one of the wild animals in Cadaques, north-east of Barcelona.
And last year popstar Shakira said the animals attacked her and her son in a Barcelona Park.
READ MORE: Experts warn of tomato flu outbreak 'running rampant'
File: Estimates suggest the wild boar population will surpass two million next year. AP
The boar problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as more wild animals ventured into urban spaces amid lockdowns.
Carles Conejero, a veterinary technician in charge of the boar control program, told Reuters the animals have lost their wild instincts.
READ MORE: Australia's first home buyer hotspots revealed
"We have to do it (put them down)," he said.
"We cannot release them back into the wild because they have lost their instincts."
One local resident told Reuters the animals are being fed by residents and foraging from bins.
READ MORE: Body of great white shark killed by 'serial' killer whales washes up
"The problem is that they stop being wild animals, they just roam about like cats," said Alex, 40.
Spain's Hunting Resources Research Institute estimates the wild boar population will surpass two million next year.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
