What to do when you encounter a wild boar

With the recent slate of wild boar sightings and attacks in Singapore, you might be curious as to what you can do to keep yourself safe in the event you come across one.

Just last week, two people were injured by a wildboar in separate incidents. The wildboar was eventually caught and euthanised, but not before causing minor injuries to two more individuals, including an NParks officer.  

Wild boars are omnivorous and can grow up to 100kg and live for up to 20 years.  

With female wild boars able to produce up to six piglets a year, the wild boar population in Singapore is slowly growing. In recent years, there have been increased sightings of the animal.

While wild boars may appear docile, it is important to note that they are still wild animals and as such, can be unpredictable. 

Like most wild animals, wild boars will only attack when they feel cornered or threatened. Apart from being able to charge at high speeds, female boars tend to become extremely protective in the presence of their young. The males also possess long canines that are capable of causing serious damage. 

So what should you do if you see one?

Be calm and move slowly away from the animal. Do not approach or attempt to feed the animal.

Keep a safe distance and do not corner or provoke the animal such as using a flash while taking pictures of it.

If you see adults with young piglets, leave them alone. These are potentially more dangerous because they may attempt to defend their young.

Remember, it’s fine to observe from a distance.  Just don’t go over-BOAR-d!