How to Survive a Wild Boar Attack

Understanding Wild Boar Behavior

Wild boars are fascinating creatures, albeit ones you’d instead read about from the comfort of your couch. With their bristly coats, tusks that look straight out of a horror film, and an attitude that screams, “Don’t mess with me,” these animals are not to be trifled with.

Yet, they’re not naturally aggressive towards humans. The problem arises when they feel cornered or threatened, or you accidentally stumble upon a mother boar and her young—never a good mix.

10 Quick Tips on How to Survive a Wild Boar Attack

Wild boars can be dangerous if you find yourself in their territory. These ten tips will help you stay safe and react effectively if you encounter one in the wild.

1. Stay Calm: Don’t panic; keeping cool reduces the chance of provoking the boar.
2. Avoid Sudden Movements: Move slowly and deliberately to avoid startling the animal.
3. Back Away Slowly: If possible, retreat without turning your back on the boar.
4. Find Higher Ground: Look for a tree or rock to climb, putting distance between you and the boar.
5. Use Barriers: Place objects like a tree or large rock between you and the boar to block its path.
6. Make Yourself Look Bigger: Spread your arms or open your jacket to appear larger and more intimidating.
7. Make Noise: Loud noises can sometimes deter a boar, so shout or bang on something if the boar is still distant.
8. Avoid Eye Contact: Don’t stare the boar down; it could see this as a challenge.
9. Use Objects for Defense: If attacked, use a stick, rock, or any object to strike the boar’s snout.
10. Seek Medical Help After an Encounter: Even minor injuries can lead to infections, so get checked out by a doctor.

Spotting a Wild Boar: Know the Signs

Before we get to the nitty-gritty of surviving a wild boar attack, let’s talk about how to spot one in the first place. Wild boars are generally active at dawn and dusk, so stay alert if you’re wandering through the woods. Listen for grunting sounds—yes, grunting—similar to a pig, but with an edge. You might also notice disturbed ground where they’ve been rooting for food. If you see fresh signs, it’s best to turn around and find a different path.

The Best Way to Avoid a Wild Boar Encounter

As with most things in life, prevention is better than cure. The best way to survive a wild boar attack is to avoid one altogether. Stick to well-trodden paths, make some noise as you walk (wild boars generally don’t want to hang out with noisy humans), and keep your eyes peeled for signs of boar activity. Trust me, it’s better to be the annoying person humming loudly than the silent one who accidentally stumbles into a boar’s personal space.

What to Do If You See a Wild Boar

So, you’ve spotted a wild boar. First things first—don’t panic. Easier said than done, I know. But wild boars can pick up on fear, and panicking might make you look like a threat. Instead, take a deep breath and assess the situation.

Don’t Run—Stand Your Ground

Your first instinct might be to bolt, but running triggers the boar’s chase instinct. Wild boars are surprisingly fast and can reach up to 30 miles per hour. Unless you’re an Olympic sprinter, running doesn’t end well. Stand your ground, but don’t make eye contact—it can be seen as a challenge.

Back Away Slowly

If the boar hasn’t noticed you yet, start backing away slowly. Keep your movements calm and deliberate. This isn’t the time to whip out your phone for a quick TikTok. Just focus on putting some distance between you and the boar.

Look for Higher Ground or Barriers

Find something to put between you and the boar—a tree, a large rock, or even a car if you’re near one. Wild boars aren’t great climbers, so getting to higher ground can give you a serious advantage. A solid barrier can slow down or stop the boar’s charge if there’s nothing to climb.

10 Uncommon Facts About Wild Boar Attacks

While wild boar encounters are rare, they can be dangerous and unpredictable. These lesser-known facts highlight surprising aspects of wild boar behavior and the risks involved in an attack.

• Boars Target the Legs First: Wild boars often charge low, aiming for the legs to knock down their target, making it easier to inflict further injury.
• Boars Can Swim: Wild boars might swim to escape or even attack if cornered near water. They are strong swimmers and can cover surprising distances.
• Females Are More Aggressive: Female wild boars, especially when protecting their young, are more likely to attack humans than males.
• They Can Charge Multiple Times: Unlike some animals that charge once, wild boars may repeatedly attack if they feel threatened or if their first charge doesn’t neutralize the threat.
• Boars Communicate During Attacks: Wild boars often grunt or squeal loudly during an attack, using vocalizations to intimidate their opponent and possibly signal other boars in the area.
• Boars Have Poor Vision but Sharp Hearing: Wild boars rely more on their keen hearing and sense of smell than on sight, making them especially reactive to sudden noises or movements.
• Boars Can Reach Speeds Up to 30 MPH: Despite their bulky appearance, wild boars are incredibly fast, making them difficult to outrun if they decide to charge.
• Attacks Often Occur During the Rutting Season: Male boars become more aggressive during mating season (autumn and winter), increasing the likelihood of attacks during this time.
• Boars Can Attack in Self-Defense: Even if not provoked directly, wild boars may perceive certain actions, like blocking their escape route, as a threat, leading them to attack.
• Wounded Boars Are Especially Dangerous: A boar that is injured or cornered is likely to become more aggressive and unpredictable, often fighting back with increased ferocity.

How to Survive a Wild Boar Attack: When the Boar Charges

Let’s say the boar isn’t impressed by your slow retreat and decides to charge. Things get real here, and you’ll need to think fast.

Stay on Your Feet

The number one rule is to stay on your feet. Once you’re down, a wild boar can inflict severe damage with its tusks. If the boar charges, brace yourself and prepare to dodge. Wild boars often charge in a straight line, so a quick sidestep at the last moment can throw them off.

Use a Stick or Other Object to Defend Yourself

If you’re carrying a stick, a backpack, or anything else that can be used as a shield, now is the time to use it. Aim for the boar’s sensitive snout—their weak spot can cause them to back off. But remember, this is a last resort. You don’t want to engage unless you have no other choice.

Play Dead (But Only as a Last Resort)

Some experts suggest playing dead if you’re knocked down and the boar seems intent on continuing its attack. The theory is that the boar might lose interest if you’re no longer perceived as a threat. However, this is risky and should only be considered if all other options have failed.

What to Do After a Wild Boar Attack

Surviving the attack is only the first part. Once the immediate danger has passed, you should take a few steps to ensure your safety.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Wild boars can carry various diseases, and their tusks can cause deep, nasty wounds. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Infections can set in quickly, and you don’t want to take any chances.

Report the Encounter

If you encounter wild boars in an area where they are uncommon, it’s a good idea to report the encounter to local authorities. This helps them keep track of wildlife activity and warn others who might be hiking in the area.

Wild Boar Safety Tips: Staying Safe in Boar Territory

The best way to survive a wild boar attack is to avoid it in the first place. Here are some tips to remember if you’re heading into boar territory.

Travel in Groups

There’s safety in numbers. Wild boars are less likely to approach a group of people than a lone hiker. If you can, always hike with at least one other person.

Make Noise

Wild boars usually prefer to avoid humans. Making noise as you walk can alert them to your presence, giving them time to move away before you get too close.

Avoid Feeding Wild Animals

Feeding wildlife is bad for many reasons, not least because it can attract wild boars. Once they associate humans with food, they’re more likely to approach and become aggressive if they don’t get what they want.