HYOGO - A woman was seriously injured in a wild boar attack in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, as sightings of unusually large boars increase across the Kansai region, with some weighing nearly 150 kilograms and capable of running at speeds of 45 kilometers per hour.
Experts say the growing size of wild boars may be linked to longer lifespans and access to highly nutritious food, including food deliberately provided by humans, household garbage, pet food, and discarded leftovers.
In Minamiawaji, Hyogo Prefecture, a particularly large wild boar measuring 150 centimeters in length and weighing 149 kilograms was recently reported. Although several unusually large animals are encountered each year, most weigh slightly more than 100 kilograms, making the latest specimen exceptionally large.
Local reports suggest that wild boar activity has also increased significantly this year, with animals entering rice paddies that have rarely experienced such intrusions in the past.
Wild boars possess considerable physical strength and can be extremely dangerous when threatened. Their powerful neck muscles allow them to lift objects with an upward thrust, while their snouts are strong enough to move objects weighing as much as 60 kilograms.
Although their eyesight is relatively poor, their sense of smell is believed to be even more sensitive than that of dogs. Their sharp teeth can cause serious injuries through biting or sudden upward attacks.
Another concern is their intelligence and ability to learn. Once wild boars discover how to overcome an obstacle or enter a particular area, they are unlikely to forget the method. Other animals may also imitate individuals that have successfully entered previously inaccessible locations.
Despite their heavy build, wild boars can run at approximately 45 kilometers per hour and jump over fences measuring 1.2 meters in height.
Experts warn that a boar charging at this speed could cover a distance of five meters in just 0.4 seconds, leaving almost no time for a person to react.
Wild boars are naturally cautious animals and generally avoid confrontation with humans. However, when frightened or excited, they can become aggressive and may attack repeatedly.
The current breeding season may also be contributing to heightened aggression, increasing the risk of encounters turning dangerous.
Authorities and wildlife specialists advise people who encounter a wild boar to remain calm and slowly back away without making sudden movements. Shouting, chasing the animal, or throwing stones should be avoided, as such actions may provoke an attack.
If possible, people should seek shelter behind a solid object or move to higher ground to escape an approaching boar.
Dog owners are being urged to take particular care following the attack in Nishinomiya, as the presence of dogs can sometimes provoke wild boars into aggressive behavior.
Wild boars are especially active from dusk through the nighttime hours, making evening dog walks potentially dangerous in areas where sightings have been reported. Experts recommend walking dogs during daylight hours whenever possible.
Unlike bears, wild boars do not hibernate during winter, meaning the danger of unexpected encounters will continue throughout the colder months.
Residents across Kansai are being urged to remain vigilant, avoid leaving food waste accessible to wildlife, and take precautions to prevent encounters with increasingly large and potentially dangerous wild boars.
Source: YOMIURI
