Context Human activities in general, and hunting in particular, often have significant impacts on the behaviour of wildlife through the anti-predator behaviours they evoke. Wild boar populations are rapidly expanding worldwide and their population densities are increasing. Aims To examine hunting effects in combination with different land-use factors on the behaviour and social structure of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Israel. Specifically, to examine differences in vigilant behaviour and social structure in agricultural areas (hunting permitted) and nature reserves (hunting prohibited). Methods Motion-triggered cameras were installed to record wild boars’ social structure and vigilance behaviour along movement trails. Age and sex of individual wild boars were identified, as were the size and structure of their social groups, and hunting in each of the studied areas was quantified. Key results Results indicated significant differences in the vigilance behaviour of wild boars between agricultural areas and nature reserves. In agricultural areas, adult females were significantly more vigilant (P