top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Boar cause havoc in town

Hunters brought in after panic in residential area as pack of animals spotted near old people's home

HUNTERS had to be brought in to shoot 10 wild boar that invaded the town of Chambéry and evaded all efforts to capture them or drive them away.

Up to 20 boar were spotted in a residential area near an old people's home and caused widespread panic.

One conseil général worker narrowly escaped being gored when he was charged. He had to clamber on to a high stone garden ornament to escape.

The animals then jumped on top of a council van that had been set up to stop them getting further into the town.

Although no one was hurt, deputy mayor Bernard Hofbauer told France Info that they could not get the boar to return to the forest and "bearing in mind how dangerous the animals are, we could not let them get into the centre of town".

The prefecture gave permission for wolfcatchers lieutenants de louveterie - state-registered volunteer hunters - to be brought in. Five hunters caught up with a group of the animals in a large patch of shrubs beside an apartment block and killed them.

Mr Hofbauer said that the meat would be checked for safety and then offered to the Cantine Savoyarde meals group.

* Last night a young woman was killed when a wild boar ran across the A13 motorway near Bonnières-sur-Seine on the Normandy border and caused a series of collisions. Last Saturday a woman was killed in the Combes de Savoie valley after her car hit a wild boar.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France