Rare wild boar spotted on Dartmoor, Devon, in a recent video. Some cheer their return, others fear overpopulation and land damage.
Wild boar lived there long ago, but were hunted and vanished. Sightings on Dartmoor happened for ten years, but film of the animals is still unusual. Sightings increased in the past year though, and the video seems to back this up.
Six young, strong pigs were seen on the moor’s north side. People do not know the exact spot. Witnesses said the pigs seemed calm and did not mind that people were watching.
BEES posted the video online, and many have viewed it and left comments. Many people are happy the boar are back, while some worry the boar numbers could get too big and think these animals could damage land.
No one knows who brought wild boar back. Years ago, activists freed boar from farms where they were raised for meat. Other boar may have escaped from farms, and some suggest it is a rewilding project or perhaps they escaped a private collection.
The Forest of Dean has the most wild boar in the UK. The filmed herd had a mother and three young. Two adults then joined the group, suggesting they might be breeding there now and settling on the moor.
Should people be happy or worried? The wild boar population is growing. Nathan Potts, who works for BEESUK, says boar have babies from March to May, so we may soon see more piglets.
Keep dogs on a lead during breeding season and give the animals space. Mothers get mean if they feel unsafe. These big animals weigh up to 150 kg and live in family groups. Male boar live alone mostly, only joining the group to mate. They look calm, but stay away, as they act strangely and quickly.