Boar encounters – what to do and what not to do.

Recent incidents in the Malaga province, including four people injured in a traffic accident after hitting a wild boar on the A-7 in Rincón de la Victoria, a boar wandering Malaga’s city centre, another in which a dog was mauled on the outskirts of Malaga city, and a herd causing the evacuation of a children’s park, highlight a growing problem – wild boars becoming used to entering urban areas due to scarce food in their natural habitats. 

The Don Animal Protection Centre in Rincón de la Victoria offers critical advice for safely handling these encounters.

Above all, the experts insist on is that people do not to run. Staying calm and backing away slowly is key to avoiding a potential attack. Approaching or attempting to pet a boar risks physical harm, as these animals can be unpredictable. There is also the possibility that they carry illnesses potentially transmissible to humans. Instead, maintain a safe distance, avoid eye contact, and contact local authorities like the local police, Guardia Civil (Seprona) on o62, or the 112 Andalucía Emergency Coordination Centre for assistance.

Back away from boars, avoid aye contact, don’t run

Seprona, the animal protection arm of the Guardía Civil employs a safe protocol to guide boars back to their natural habitats, using animal welfare techniques to encourage the animals to leave urban areas voluntarily. Methods include odour repellents, infrared devices, or controlled sound deterrents like detonations. If these fail, sedation and capture are used, as per agreements with Axarquía councils.

Boars rarely attack unless injured or protecting their young, so provocation must be avoided. At this time of year, they can frequently been seen with families of young, so they are best to avoid. Feeding them or throwing objects like sticks or stones can trigger aggression. Experts emphasise respect for wildlife, urging the public to remain calm and keep a safe distance to prevent startling the animals, and ensuring both human safety and that of the boars.