In a recent incident outside a train station in Hong Kong, a 154-pound wild boar attacked a woman and a 15-year-old boy, resulting in their hospitalization. This incident marked the capture and euthanization of the 541st wild boar by officials since 2021.
Upon receiving the report, the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department dispatched officers to locate and tranquilize the boar. Once captured, the boar was humanely euthanized.
Roni Wong Ho-yin of the Hong Kong Wild Boar Concern Group stated that such attacks are rare, and the boar may have acted out of agitation. He added that wild boars typically do not attack unless they feel threatened or injured. In this instance, it was reported that the boar bit the boy when he tried to obstruct it with his bag.
Although encounters with wild boars are relatively frequent in Hong Kong, with an average of 94 sightings and incidents each month, the government has taken steps to address the issue. Between January and May, a total of 135 boars were euthanized, averaging one per day. Overall, since November 2021, 455 wild boars have been euthanized, with an estimated population of over 2,500 in the region.
Officials in Hong Kong have shifted their approach to managing the feral pig population. In response to increasing attacks and encroachment on urban areas, the government now focuses on culling the population rather than capturing and releasing the animals. This change came after a notable increase in wild boars venturing into urban spaces, such as roads, streets, malls, and even public transportation, starting in 2019.
The phenomenon of wild boars straying from hills and trails into urban areas gained attention when a family of pigs was spotted swimming in a pool in a financial district bank tower in September 2020.
This year, there has been a significant increase in culling operations, with 220 boars put down through 79 operations. This marks a twofold increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
It is important to note that these changes in wild boar management aim to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in Hong Kong. The government recognizes the need for proactive measures to minimize the risks associated with wild boar interactions in urban environments.
With ongoing efforts and adaptations to address this issue, authorities in Hong Kong are committed to providing a safer environment for residents and mitigating potential conflicts with wild boars.
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