Wild boars on the loose in an urban environment, far from scrubland areas

Des sangliers s’aventurent au Mas de Ville.

Les résidents sont nombreux à les avoir aperçus depuis quelques semaines.

Wild boars in scrubland areas no longer surprise anyone. But when they approach the city center, amazement dominates. In 2019, one of them ventured as far as the Revolution college; two years later, there were two of them wandering along Boulevard Victor-Hugo; and in 2024, these wild pigs plowed the Paloma roundabout. Examples among others, without forgetting the last two episodes to date.

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1 At Mas de Ville, solo or in a herd

For some time now, at Mas de Ville, between the recycling centre on Avenue Bompard and the area around the Kaufmann stadium, it has been common for residents, day and night, to notice the presence of an old solitary wild boar or a herd of wild boars… Which have become almost familiar to walkers, joggers, cyclists and other sports enthusiasts using the motorway bridge towards the Courbiers racecourse. This is the case of Esteban (18 years old) who trains three times a week in the area: “I was running on the way home when a motorist stopped to tell me that there was a big wild boar at the side of the road! I passed by it with some apprehension.” Another testimony, that of Alain, 70 years old: “It's surprising to find yourself a few meters from these animals from another age eating. They remained indifferent to my presence.” The Mas de Ville neighborhood committee reported this phenomenon to the city of Nîmes, which is fueling residents' concerns.

2 In Puech-du-Teil, at the bottom of the buildings

By the admission of the residents of Puech-du-Teil, this is a first: a few days ago, a wild boar was spotted wandering behind the buildings of Aygalades: “It was in the small wood, says Jean-Daniel Depoudent, president of the neighborhood committee. The next morning, at 11 o'clock, it was reported under the bridge on Avenue Kennedy, in the direction of l'Alouette. It was walking quietly on the sidewalk… After that, I didn't hear from it again. We're not far from the city center anyway.” The president then alerted the municipal police.

3 Quelle authority to prevent ?

The president of the Puech-du-Teil committee asks himself this question: “Who to notify when wild boars are reported ?” Several authorities can be alerted: the municipal police, the town hall but also the DDTM (Departmental Directorate of Territories and the Sea) which works with the Agglo and the City. “Interventions in urban areas are common, entrusts this State service. Hence a reinforcement of the wolf-hunting brigade which increases to two wolf-hunters for the period 2025-2029.”

Another question: is it a dangerous animal ? According to specialists, this is not the case for humans, except in certain cases: to defend its young, if the wild boar is injured or if it feels cornered, it could behave in a threatening manner.