- Favorable winters where the crops survive, unlimited food and good acorn years have caused the strain to increase, which is also evident in the accident statistics, says Richard Petersson.

During the first seven months of 2019, the number of wild boar accidents in Östergötland increased by 81 percent, compared with the previous year. Photo: SVT Grafik

Big flaws in the game fence

But the fact that the accidents have become more is not just about increased tribes. Richard Petersson has, together with the police, checked the game fence along the stretch of road where he lives. In total, some 40 deficiencies have been detected in the network in just a few kilometers.

- Those who have set up the fence have done it too badly. It is too stretched. It is only for the pigs to run the trick under, lift up and run, says Richard Petersson.

The wild boar easily digs under the wild fence. Photo: SVT

Wild boar makes holes

The wild boar has also made a number of holes in the fence, including where the nets were joined together. Richard Petersson now wants to see an improvement in protection along the roads.

- You can set up double fences where one is pulled out on the inside and laid on the hill a few meters in. When the boars try to get underneath, they are on the net and remain on the inside. Then they won't be able to lift, says Richard Petersson.

Dangerous stretches of road

The Swedish Transport Administration, which is responsible for the country's roads, is currently mapping the most dangerous roads. In Östergötland, road 35 from Linköping and south towards Åtvidaberg is prioritized. According to Anders Sjölund, national coordinator for nature issues at the Swedish Transport Administration, the road section will be addressed as early as next year.

- It can be about buried wild fences that will stop the wild boar from getting under the fence. It may also involve various passages that will prevent the wild animals from getting out on the road.

On road 23 between Linköping and Kisa and road 35 between Linköping and Åtvidaberg, many wild boar accidents occur. Photo: SVT