Wild boar sightings: Where are they found in Singapore and what to do if you encounter them

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SINGAPORE - A herd of wild boars seen "hogging" the road near a bus Interchange in Tuas on Wednesday (June 14) evening caused quite a stir online.

The Straits Times understands that wild boars show up in the area as often as twice or thrice a week.

Living in the fringe of forests, these omnivorous mammals will sometimes explore the urban neighbourhood in search of food.

They may also venture out when their habitats have been cleared.

The boars, which can grow up to 100kg, feed mainly on seeds, tubers and young plants.

The animals that turned up at Tuas appear to have been conditioned to being fed by people, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority said.

Many live in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, which is why they have been sighted in the Thomson area too.

Sightings have also been reported in Punggol, Pasir Ris and Woodlands recently.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER WILD BOARS

Wild animals, like boars, can be unpredictable to humans. Most people are unable to pick out signs indicating that the animal is feeling stressed or cornered.

It is better to be safe than sorry and maintain your distance when encountering a wild boar.

Here are some tips:

  • Wild boars attack only when they feel cornered and will chase only after they have started attacking.
  • Do not corner or provoke the animal, for example, by using flash while taking pictures.
  • Leave them alone and watch them from a distance. Going closer and/or feeding them can be dangerous.
  • Feeding them will also encourage their return to urban areas, and increase the chances of conflict.
  • If you see adult boars with young piglets, leave them alone. These are potentially more dangerous because they may attempt to defend their young.

SIGHTINGS IN SINGAPORE

LENTOR AVENUE

A large wild boar said to weigh up to 100kg was killed after being hit by a car near Lentor Avenue in April this year.

PUNGGOL

More sightings and feedback about wild boars were reported in the area last year. A boy was reportedly injured after being chased by a boar at Edgefield Plains last June.

PASIR RIS

Members of the public were divided about some wild boars that regularly went to the Lorong Halus jetty area because they were being fed.

Some people saw no harm in feeding the animals while others expressed concern that they will see humans as a source of food.

BKE & SLE

Last November, a motorcyclist was hospitalised after colliding with a wild boar on the Bukit Timah Expressway at night.

In April last year, another motorcyclist fractured his shoulder after running into a wild boar in the evening along the Seletar Expressway.

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