Farmers in Al-Mu’tasim say wild boars damaging crops, causing injuries

SALAH AL-DIN — Farmers in Al-Mu’tasim subdistrict, southeast of Samarra, say herds of wild boars are threatening their livelihoods, damaging crops and orchards, and even causing traffic accidents as they cross roads near the Tigris River at sunset.

Khalid Mahmoud, a local farmer, told 964media the animals have destroyed his okra crops and damaged decades-old fruit trees.

“Even the pomegranate, apple, and fig trees, some more than 10 or 15 years old, have been affected,” he said. “Just two days ago, I saw a group of seven boars, including two adults, in the middle of the day. I was alone and unarmed, and had to flee.”

Mahmoud said the boars typically reside on islands in the river and emerge at night. “We have no means of defending ourselves, and there has been no effective government response,” he said.

Fellow farmer Dhia Obeid described frequent sightings and injuries caused by the animals.

“There is a total lack of support from security forces, and these animals have also caused several serious traffic accidents,” he said. “Many farmers stumble upon them unknowingly while working, leading to sudden attacks.”

Obeid said injuries in the area have ranged from fractures to bruises and that targeting the animals is difficult because they retreat to hard-to-reach river islands during the day.

Jabbar Al-Hawi, director of the Al-Mu’tasim subdistrict, said the local government lacks resources to respond.

“Under the Animal Health Law of 2018, we cannot launch control campaigns without financial backing and proper coordination,” he said, citing the absence of funding in the 2025 budget.

Local authorities said any effective intervention would require cooperation between local authorities, the animal health department, and security forces under the governor’s direction.