I met two people walking their dogs off-lead who asked whether I'd seen any good birds. When I said I was looking for boar they were terrified at the prospect. I ended up spending about 15 minutes with each of them separately - by the time both parted their dogs were on leads, and they were positively looking forward to their first boar encounter. Small things, but worth doing. Ben, Forest of Dean.
This page has been added to increase awareness that wild boar can be potentially dangerous to domestic dogs following the unfortunate, and avoidable, death of a dog: Warning after wild boar savages rescue greyhound. The information provided aims to lessen the likelihood that a confrontation will occur. Please do offer your opinions and experiences to help this aim be achieved. Email us at British Wild Boar. Thank you.
Advice when walking your dogFrom the Forestry Commission Wild boar are normally secretive, and largely nocturnal if they are not interfered with and are unlikely to attack people. There have, however, been some problems with boar in the Forest of Dean with damage or injury to people, pets and property. Keep your dog under close control - a number of dogs have been seriously injured by the boar and it is best to avoid the interaction if at all possible, this will also help reduce disturbance to other wildlife too. If you see wild boar and you have a dog off its lead, call the dog to heel and put the lead on it immediately If your dog chases a boar, stay at a safe distance and continue to call the dog back - do not approach the boar or interfere Source: http://www.visitforestofdean.co.uk/outdoors/wildboreforestofdean.aspx |
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The reality of the situationA picnic site in the Forest of Dean The photo highlights how the Forestry Commission's advice of "If you see wild boar and you have a dog off its lead, call the dog to heel and put the lead on it immediately" is not being taken on board. "On this occasion, no-one seemed particularly worried when the boar appeared despite recent newspaper reports. There were dogs around but the boar only seemed interested in finding food."
(The recent newspaper reports referred to concern the death of Cara the greyhound, the first dog to be killed by a wild boar, although an eye-witness account implies it was the wild boar that was being harrassed by the dog (see : Warning after wild boar savages rescue greyhound and Eye-witness account tells a different story) Photo ©Wendy Benstead, reproduced with permission |
...from the Forestry Commission again 
, and one from Germany 
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These video clips from outside the UK are here to exemplify how wild boar and dogs may interact in a confrontational situation. The aggressor is typically the dog, as these dogs (from continental Europe) are specially bred for it. These videos are not gory but it is not nice to see animals stressed - viewer discretion is recommended. I have my doubts about their informative value - your opinions are most welcome on whether they are useful, or should be removed. Or please advise if you know of better examples.
Dog seriously injured by a sow in the Forest of Dean
"My dog was attacked on the early hours 0630 10th Nov 09 as we were doing our usual walk in Whitecroft wood. We have encountered two sows with a number of young before, once a fair few months ago when the piglets were young she charged us but I stood tall and she ran off. I saw them again a few weeks ago and the piglets were big so we didn't think there was any danger.
We were walking to Parkend from Whitecroft, Jamo, my older terrier was in front by about 30 foot, I don't put them on a lead as last time I encountered them it was difficult to keep them safe and out the way off the charge. This time Jamo was attacked quite badly, although I never saw the boar or attack, it sounded like there were a few escaping. Jamo's front leg was badly fractured from a bite, his front teeth knocked out and I believe would have bben killed if I didn't charge myself and chase it off.
He very nearly lost his life due to infection and the extent of his injuries, but he now has some external fixator on his leg which comprises of bolts in his bone and a brace. He is a lucky dog to be alive and to have an owner who is willing to pay the vet bills to fix him.
I am of the opinion now that wild boar are a part of the Dangerous Animals Act for a reason, and it is down right stupid that someones illegal stocking should be allowed to stand as a native species."
Thank you
Miles
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Jamo’s injuries, photos reproduced from Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review
http://www.forest-and-wye-today.co.uk/tn/News.cfm?id=47969&headline=Emergency%20surgery%20saves%20Jamo's%20leg
Dog and boar troubles in East Sussex:
"I know of wild boar in the woods on the Kent/East Sussex border because my dog was attacked by one earlier on this year (May 2006). She had extensive injuries and is lucky to be alive. She is a fair size and did nothing to antagonise the boar, although it was the breeding season and probably had young.
They are also in the field behind our house and come down the footpath (which runs along our garden fence) foraging. We can here them crunching acorns.
My dog is a crossbreed (Bloodhound cross Harrier), so about as tall as a Labrador but quite alot narrower with long ears and the markings of a bloodhound. I'm afraid it might have been the bloodhound in her that found the boar in the first place.
I have attached a couple of photos of her injuries, feel free to put them on your site, even if it's only to show what the boar can do."
from Lisa, East Sussex .
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Living on borrowed time in the Forest of Dean
"Maybe 10 people walked by when we were with this pig and beckoned them over. Only 3 refused: 1 man wanted the dangerous thing shooting. The other 2 were convinced this individual had gored 2 dogs recently. So I showed them the pic of my dog (the Jack Russell) with the boar!"
David, Gloucestershire
A Jack Russell and the 'problem' pig. . (© David Slater reproduced with permission).
Keith from East Sussex:
"On Sunday 21st May at 8.00pm [2006] my dog was attacked by a wild boar. It tossed the dog in the air and then had the dog pinned to the ground trying to bite it. The dog got away then the boar chased me and the dog. I dont think it had young because it went off in a different direction on its own. I have seen many wild boar in last two years but I have not had this problem. If the dog had been terrier size or perhaps small children I dread to think what might have happened."
Simon from the Dean:
"I live in the Forest of Dean. Today (6th May 2006) I saw my first wild boar as it chased me and my dogs for a good half mile (the dogs had not chased it and came straight back when whistled!). I could not believe how big this thing was, or how far it chased us, far in excess of chasing us away from its patch. I am thankful that I did not have my children with me, as I had to run like hell.
The dogs didn’t do anything to upset it (other than merely be present). They were a few yards ahead and were just sniffing around. They came when I called. I also used a spaniel whistle (very high pitched) to call the dogs, maybe this annoyed the boar?
It was lunchtime. I think that the boar was already on the move rather than us having disturbed it. No sign of injury, not that I looked too closely. I don’t recall tusks so assume that it was a female. I am sure that it was running quite hard, it was definitely in pursuit. It came after me with no hesitation at all. If I may say so, I am a fairly athletic 6’3" and can run quite quickly.
I would not go back with the dogs, and probably not without them either, although it might be tempting to return in a month or so when the young (assuming that there were some) are older and the boar less aggressive. Although it seems surreal now, it was truly terrifying at the time!
I contacted the Forestry Commission suggesting that they might like to put up a few small notices, as the area will shortly be popular with visitors due to it being covered in bluebells. I also advised the local police - just to keep my conscience clear."
Dog fortunately looking the other way
"Just this morning [26 Nov 2008] whilst walking the dog... it came crashing through the trees towards me then turned tail and ran in another direction, I'm guessing when it caught sight of me. I've since been doing some research as I was frightened my dog would have run after it and come off worse.. fortunately he did not even spot it before it was away. But best be aware anyway... popular dog walking area.
I would like to add something to my thoughts/email (following a discussion with another dog walker who dismissed 'pigs' as dangerous in the wild) ...to the effect.. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of the wild (or domesticated) animal that encounters a 'stranger' and either runs away or defends itself. If the animal is bigger or stronger or more ferocious than us or our dog, then the onus is on us to take precautions when walking in their territory. If, on the other hand it is us or our dog who is the bigger stonger etc.. then it falls to us to respect the life of the other without detracting from our and our dog's enjoyment of open space.. it's a fine balance.
A bit long winded but covers, for me, the dog walkers approach to wild boar, deer, domesticated sheep, bulls etc.".
Sue, East Sussex
Jack Russell chased by sow, sow chased by Jack Russell (Forest of Dean)
"My jack russell was charged by a large Sow 12th May 2008. Chased the Boar off and as soon as I turned away it came back to look at me again. The Boar must have been protecting young."
Sarah
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