Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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Like all wild animals, hogs can become aggressive when threatened. They have been known to hurt or kill people. But what makes them so dangerous?
Wild hogs are dangerous because they can move very quickly, and most adults will weigh 300 pounds. The males have sharp tusks, which they use to maul you. They also contain potentially harmful bacteria. They will become aggressive when threatened. If you see a wild hog, it’s best to move away from the area slowly.
Before you go hunting, it’s essential to know the risks. If you don’t take precautions, you can end up getting seriously hurt by a wild boar. Let’s look at some of the things you need to know before your next hunting trip.
In this post, we'll cover:
What Makes Wild Hogs So Dangerous?
There are a few reasons why you should be vigilant when hunting for wild boar. First, they can be very powerful. Hogs will be able to move at fast speeds. They will be able to charge up to 11 miles an hour. This means that you won’t be able to outrun them.
They are very heavy. They weigh 300 pounds. However, some have been known to get larger. Males will have strong tusks, which they will use to maul you. Because of this, when a wild hog hits you, it can do a lot of damage.
Another aspect that makes them so dangerous is that they travel in a group. It’s not uncommon for there to be between 20 to 30 individuals in a group. When threatened, they might be able to work together to defend themselves and their territory.
The danger extends after the initial attack. Hogs have been known to carry several diseases that can be potentially harmful to humans. During the encounter, they may spread these to you. There is a chance that any wounds can get infected.
How Common Are Wild Hogs Attacks?
As the population of wild hogs continues to grow, there have been more confrontations reported with humans. Hunters and hikers tend to be the most common targets.
The exact amount of attacks is hard to estimate. Some might go unreported. However, we do know that 21 states in the US have reported attacks. 70 percent of them have been recent. January, April, October, and November tend to be the most common months for attacks.
It should be noted that, as their habitat is destroyed, hogs are moving into more residential areas. This has led to a rise in the number of road accidents involving hogs. If you hit one of these animals, you’ll do a lot of damage to your vehicle. Expect a write-off.
What Are The Most Common Wild Hog Injuries?
There are plenty of potential injuries that you can face when a wild hog attacks you. Most people will end up getting scratches on their legs or arms. It’s possible that these wounds might get infected.
However, you might be facing more serious injuries. For example, some people can get lacerations or punctures. If these injuries don’t get urgent treatment, there might be a lot of blood loss. Blood loss is the main reason behind most fatalities.
In most cases, you will patch up the injuries and won’t have any ongoing medical issues. Sadly, not everyone will be so lucky. There have been cases where people have been killed because of a wild hog’s attack. Thankfully, these are rare. There have only been five reported deaths since 1825.
What Will Provoke a Wild Hog?
Usually, wild hogs tend to try to avoid conflict. But there are a few circumstances where they will attack you. The most common is when they feel like they are cornered. If they think that you are threatening them, they will fight back. This is why hunters are the most likely group to be attacked by wild hogs.
Most females will attack because their piglets have been threatened. They are rarely too far from their young. If you are spear hunting, it’s important to be very cautious about how you decide to approach the group. You don’t want them to get spooked and start attacking you.
Finally, they may attack people who are in their territory. This is part of the reason why hikers are increasingly getting attacked by wild hogs. They might also want to defend their food source.
How Can You Prevent a Wild Hog Attack?
Though they can do a lot of damage if provoked, wild hogs tend to be very docile animals; when you see them stay calm. You don’t want to make any sudden movements. Hogs don’t have very good eyesight. So, as long as you move slowly, they might not even notice that you were there.
It’s also important to avoid doing anything else that could draw their attention. You don’t want to take flash photography. The sudden burst of light could startle them.
If you are going hiking or hunting, you should take a friend with you. Hogs will be less likely to attack if you are part of a group. If the area has been known to have many hogs, consider taking a gun with you on your hike or bow hunt. This will allow you to defend yourself if you are attacked.
What Should You Do If a Wild Hog has attacked you?
The way you react when a hog has attacked you will determine how serious your injuries will be. If you see the boar start to charge, try to get to higher ground. They are only short animals. If you can put six inches between you and them, they won’t be able to do any much damage. A tree or boulder can be a great option. This technique won’t always be possible. They can accelerate very quickly when charging.
If you can’t get to a tree in time, you’ll need to stay calm. Try to step out of the way of the tusks. You’ll also want to try to remain standing. If you fall over, the hogs will be able to do a lot more damage.
Look around for any weapons that you can use. Even something as primitive as a rock can allow you to fight back. Keep fighting until the hog decides to give up. If you have a gun, you should aim for the shoulder. This is where their vital organs will be located. Most hog attacks will last for under a minute.
After the hog attack, take some time to assess your injuries. If you have a first-aid kit, you’ll be able to use it to fix any wounds. If not, you can use strips of your shirt to form a bandage. Make sure to visit a doctor. They will be able to perform a more thorough check. Doctors can also treat you for any bacterial diseases that might be infecting the wound.
Final Thoughts
Wild hogs can prove to be hazardous animals. They have been known to cause severe lacerations with their sharp tusks. In some cases, they have even killed people. As the wild hog populations continue to grow, these attacks will become more common.
Because of this, it’s important to remain vigilant. If you see a wild hog, try to back away from the area slowly. You don’t want them to get aggressive. If they do attack, stay on your feet and try to defend yourself. If you can do this, you should be able to limit the damage that they can inflict.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.
