Effects of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) rooting on the bacterial community structure in mixed-hardwood forest soils in Switzerland

► Wild boar rooting did not affect soil bacterial community structure. ► Wild boar rooting did not change soil bacterial diversity, richness and evenness. ► No effects of wild boars on soil microbial biomass C could be found. ► Soil bacterial community structure varied significantly with the sampling date. ► Available N, soil moisture and temperature were responsible for seasonal changes.