A real storm has erupted in Galicia (Galicia) over a decision by the regional government: most municipalities in the autonomous community are now allowed unlimited wild boar hunting until February 2026. The authorities justify this measure by the need to reduce risks to agriculture and decrease road accidents involving wild animals. However, neither hunters nor environmentalists have supported such a radical step.
The Federación Gallega de Caza is confident that the existing rules are sufficient to control the wild boar population. According to them, there is currently no threat to crops, and farmers have not reported any damage. Hunters point out that they were not involved in discussions about the new measures and believe that mass culling could harm the region’s nature and biodiversity. They emphasize that hunting is not just shooting, but a responsible approach to maintaining ecosystem balance.
Environmental organizations have also opposed the emergency measures. They are calling for scientific studies and the collection of objective data on the wild boar population before making such large-scale decisions. According to them, chaotic culling will not solve the problem and will only worsen the situation by disrupting the natural balance.
Meanwhile, the authorities insist the decision was made after analyzing complaints about damage caused by wild boars and traffic accident statistics. According to their data, nearly 19,000 animals were culled last season, but this was not enough. Officials believe that only temporarily expanding hunting will help stabilize the situation.
Ultimately, neither hunters nor environmentalists see the new policy as a solution to the current situation. They are demanding transparency, consideration of all parties’ opinions, and a scientific approach. The question of whose interests the government is protecting remains unresolved, and the conflict over wild boars in Galicia continues to escalate.
