Sicily prepares boar hunt after one man killed

PALERMO , Italy, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A state of emergency will be declared over the growth of the wild boar population on the island of Sicily, the Sicilian government announced Monday.

Several attacks, including one Saturday resulting in the death of a man, have prompted an examination of wildlife management on the Italian island.

Salvatore Rinaudo, 77, died Saturday after being mauled by a wild, 100 kilogram (220 pounds) boar while walking his dogs near the Madonie public park in his hometown of Cefalu. His wife Rosa, 53, was gored in the leg and bitten by the boar but survived.

"We have asked for a controlled hunt but no measures were ever taken," said Cefalu Mayor Rosario Lapunzina.

Over one million wild boars are estimated to reside in Sicily, Italy's Institute for Environmental Protection and Research said. The animals are prolific breeders, with 10-piglet litters common.

Rosario Crocetta, Sicily's regional governor, added Monday an amendment to accelerate procedures to cull the boar population will be introduced to the Regional Assembly.