Dog meets wild boar: What would you have done and what is the right way to behave?

While walking, a dog suddenly encounters a wild boar. Here we explain how to behave correctly during the encounter.

To the song "Nice To Meet Ya" by Wes Nelson with the apt lyrics "Nice to meet you, walk in, freeze", TikTok user @ellisurfandco shows a video of her hunting dog encountering a wild boar on her channel. At the same time, she asks the question: "What would you have done?" In order to know the answer to this question in the future, we summarize for you what is really important when encountering a wild boar.

The video went viral and got over 2 million clicks and almost 240,000 likes. Both the visibly well-behaved dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the wild boar react relaxed to their encounter. The reactions of the users in the comments are mixed:

• "In any case, don't leave the dog alone." 😳
• "Responded well, also that the leash was released. Exemplary!"
• "Definitely not 'Nice To Meet Ya'."
• "I would have stood in front of my dog and not left him there alone, could have turned out differently."
• "To all those who write: 'I would have protected my dog': 1. Stay calm in the situation 2. Believe me, the dog would have better chances 😌"
• "To all who write: I imagine my/the dog: A wild boar can hurt you fatally. They have very sharp tusks. The dog has more."
• "If you have young, you have to be careful."
• "The dog reacted better than you. Stand still and don't move." 😂😂

What is the correct way to behave when encountering a wild boar?

True, wild boars, as a rule, are peaceful animals that avoid contact with humans, and attacks are extremely rare. However, if they feel threatened, their behavior can quickly become aggressive and thus dangerous for humans. So that you know which behavior is the right one when encountering a wild boar, we have summarized the most important behavioral tips, according to ARD, for the encounter with these wild animals for you:

• Avoid attracting wild boars with food. At home, keep the garbage cans, especially the organic garbage can, tightly closed and do not throw food scraps on the compost.
• If you are traveling with your dog to wild boar areas and encounter one of these animals, the first rule is: Keep your dog calm - the wild boar could feel threatened and go on the attack. Then you have two options: If the wild pig recognizes you as the person in charge, it will also attack you. If it sees the aggressor in the dog, let go of the leash at all costs. Dogs have a good chance of running away from the wild boar. You would also never be able to protect your four-legged friend from the aggressive pig.
• If the attack is imminent, it's time to keep calm! Make yourself as big as possible and clap your hands as loudly as you can. Normally, the bristle animals run away as a result.
• If the wild boar doesn't run away yet, stop anyway. Talk to the animal in a calm voice and slowly retreat in the meantime. Give the wild boar enough space, keep your distance and do not restrict it under any circumstances. You should avoid hectic movements as much as possible – running away wouldn't do much good anyway.
• If possible: climb on a high seat or climb a tree.
• Good to know: Most of the time, wild boars attack only once and then run away quickly.

How can I recognize an aggressive wild boar?

A raised tail, loud snorting through the nose and gnashing of teeth are the signals with which the wild boar says that it is ready to attack. If it throws its head back and forth, you are in great danger. Attacks by wild boars are life-threatening: a weight of up to 200 kilograms, their speed of up to 50 km/h and teeth as sharp as razor blades can mean certain death for humans.

Especially when the wild boars have offspring, they are aggressive. Otherwise, the bristle animals avoid humans. © imagebroker/Imago

At what time of year is the danger greatest?

In spring and winter, the risk of an attack is highest. In winter, the male wild boars (boars) go on a bridal show. From February and into spring there are offspring accordingly and the female wild boars (brooks) defend their young with their lives. Contact with the little newcomers should therefore be avoided at all costs.

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How to behave towards an injured wild boar?

It is also important to know that you should never approach a wild boar that has been hit. Even injured animals still have instincts and could react aggressively to an approach. Keep your distance, stay in the car and inform the relevant authorities (police, hunters, etc.)

Wild boars in settlement areas are particularly problematic: these animals quickly lose their fear of humans. Here you should be especially careful and avoid any contact.