How to deal with wild boars - the complete guide: The
attack by a wild boar in Haifa, in which Dudu Sukhoi (69) was injured while walking in the city - raised the issue of dealing with wild animals in the urban space.
In order to understand the issue, we spoke with Dr. Nili Avni, the chief veterinarian and zoologist of the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo.
Dudu Sukhoi, a resident of Haifa who was injured by a wild boar, Photo: Screenshot of the Rambam speech
According to her, "encountering a wild animal that is not in its natural place is rare, even today - since such animals will usually avoid confrontation with humans. This should be restricted in three situations. The second is when the animal itself feels threatened, and has no escape route.
"The third situation is when the wild boar has become accustomed to eating in a bin or in a certain area of the city, and for him he sees the place as his territory. In these three cases, we are really in trouble during a meeting - and fortunately in Haifa this is usually not the case."
And if I still find myself in an encounter with a wild boar?
"It is important to stay as cool as possible, and to think like the animal. We will always leave it an open space through which to escape. A wild boar will usually prefer to escape, rather than get into a confrontation. .
What to do when the animal looks aggressive and threatening?
"This is a very rare reality, even today. If we climb to a high place or move away, the animal will usually continue on its way. It is true that a pig with puppies or a pig that has become accustomed to a certain bin may attack, and not run away - but fortunately in Haifa we have not reached the situation. "In any case, it is important to emphasize that we do not make contact with a wild animal, because it only endangers us. And always cut off contact - this is the most important advice."
Beyond these tips, Dr. Nili Avni Magen says that "tenants who have bins outside, and they can fence the bin so that pigs do not reach them - this is important and recommended, especially in areas like Haifa.
It is clear that the entire area of sanitation is also the responsibility of the municipality, but if a building can make its area free of food - then we reduce the chance that the pig will not approach this area. "
At the end of her remarks, Dr. Avni Magen noted that "once there is no food available within the city, the wild boars by themselves will not go inside - and thus we will not experience such dangerous situations."
Dr. Boaz Shaham, a zoologist and biologist who specializes in reptiles and the entry of animals into the urban space, added: “The animal usually does not want contact with humans, so it is best to make noise and even illuminate the animal with a flashlight.
In the case of a pig with puppies - she may react aggressively, if she feels attacked, so make noise and light from a distance.
If the animal remains standing, contact must be cut off and retreated. "
What happens if the animal attacks?
"Wild boars are a strong, aggressive and smart animal - but it does not know how to climb high, despite its power. Therefore, one should immediately climb to a high place. In case of attack - it is recommended to even climb the nearest tree."