Are wild boars in Haifa only a problem for the wealthy?

The sight of wild boars roaming Haifa’s neighborhoods has become an everyday challenge for residents and city officials. The animals are an inseparable part of the local ecosystem, yet their growing presence in urban areas creates conflict between protecting nature and safeguarding public safety and property.

Where the boars are

A July report by Israel’s state comptroller painted a troubling picture of how municipalities handle wild boar populations. The report found there is no dedicated legislation, no long-term strategy, and no coordinated prevention programs. Each city, in practice, responds as it sees fit. In Haifa, the comptroller noted difficulties in monitoring boar activity and evaluating whether current efforts are effective.

To reduce conflicts, researchers say, it is essential to understand both the animals’ distribution and behavior. This could help authorities craft more effective policies to allow safer coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The new study, conducted by Eran Schwartzfuchs of Tel Aviv University’s School of Zoology with guidance from Dr. Dror Ben Ami and Dr. Tamar Dayan of Tel Aviv University and Dr. Daniel Orenstein of the Technion, analyzed thousands of resident reports made to Haifa’s municipal hotline between 2014 and 2016.

Using advanced geographic analysis and machine learning, the researchers mapped boar sightings in relation to both ecological and socioeconomic factors. Two parallel models were developed: one ecological, one socioeconomic.

The ecological model confirmed what past studies had shown: boars are most likely to appear near natural habitats, in drainage basins (Haifa’s wadis), and in areas of medium population density.

But the socioeconomic model revealed something new. Reports of boar encounters were far more frequent in wealthier neighborhoods, while residents in lower-income areas—many of them Arab or Haredi communities—reported significantly fewer sightings, even though ecological conditions suggested boars were just as present.

Who gets the city’s response?

This reporting gap has major implications. Since Haifa’s municipal response to boar encounters relies almost entirely on resident reports, neighborhoods that report less often receive less intervention, even when boars are present.

“Residents in higher socioeconomic neighborhoods tend to report more, and therefore receive more attention from the municipality,” Schwartzfuchs explained. “In contrast, lower-income neighborhoods see less reporting and consequently less response, even though the boars are there.”

A sign that warns of wild boars presence

(Photo: Elad Gershgoren)

An exception emerged in Haifa’s Neve Sha’anan neighborhood. Although its socioeconomic profile is middle-range and ecological conditions make it prone to boar activity, reports were surprisingly low. “We suspect that educational campaigns or shifts in perception in the neighborhood may have reduced anxiety, leading to fewer complaints and fewer conflicts,” Schwartzfuchs said.

The findings highlight the need for a multi-dimensional approach that considers not only ecological factors but also social and economic ones. Tailored strategies could improve the balance between protecting nature and addressing residents’ concerns.

Rethinking coexistence

“Wildlife like jackals and wild boars are here to stay in Israel’s urban landscape,” said Ben Ami. “This study shows that the conflict has a strong social component. Municipalities can reduce tensions by adapting communication and interventions to the character of each community.”

The wild boar issue in Haifa illustrates the broader challenge of managing urban areas where humans and wildlife overlap. Experts say solutions require better monitoring, sustained public education, and the use of advanced technologies to prevent conflicts.

Whether it is boars in Haifa, jackals in Ramat Gan, ibex in Mitzpe Ramon, or hyenas near Modi’in, the future of Israel’s urban spaces depends on how well cities adapt to the complex relationships between people and nature. Only by doing so, researchers argue, can harmonious coexistence be achieved.