What to do when you encounter a wild boar

With so many forested areas within the Kaiserslautern Military Community, we must be aware of how to coexist with wild life. Wild boar call Germany home and they have been seen in the south areas of Ramstein AB, on Kapaun and in Vogelweh housing.

Wild boar, also known as the wild swine or wild pig, have stocky, muscular bodies and the larger males can grow up to about five feet long and stand about 30 inches tall at shoulder height. They have short, coarse grey-brown hair and canine teeth which are larger and appear like tusks on males. Males also have a pronounced mane running along their spine.

Wild boar are more likely to give you a wide berth if you cross paths, however there are some good practices that will help keep you and your companions safe while enjoying the many forests in Germany.

1. Keep your distance 

The best thing you can do if you spot a wild boar is simply to steer clear of it. If it doesn’t move out of the area, you should detour or turn back to give it plenty of space.

Stay Away from piglets. Sows (female pigs) are protective and can be easily provoked when it comes to their piglets, therefore approaching piglets in the open is extremely dangerous. Regardless of whether sows are within eyesight, it is very important to always stay away from piglets.

2. Secure your pets 

Wild boar don’t particularly love dogs and may feel threatened by your dog, so keep your dog on a leash and close to you.

3. Do not attempt to feed them 

It’s surprisingly common for people to attempt to feed wild boar, but remember, you should not approach them. Also, humans feeding wildlife is what draws them into urban areas and we want them to stay in the wild.

4. Back away slowly 

If you mistakenly find yourself close to a wild boar, stay calm, stay facing it and slowly back away.

5. Do not run 

As with so many wildlife encounters, though you may want to run with every cell in your body, this can trigger a chase response where only moments ago the boar wasn’t all that interested in you.

6. Find higher ground 

If a wild boar charges at you, you won’t have much time – these stocky beasts can move at 25 miles per hour. If possible, climb up a tree, a boulder or onto the roof of the car where their short legs won’t be able to reach you.