The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is part of the even-hoofed mammals order (Artiodactyla). It is a bulky and massively built animal with short legs. The body length of a wild boar averages 140-160 cm, the height is 80-100 cm and the weight can reach 200 kg. The wild boar is the ancestor of the domestic pig, but unlike the latter, it has thick grey and brown bristle that forms a mane along the back, prominent canine teeth in males, and a black patch.
This species inhabits the west of the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, southern Siberia, and the Far East. Usually, they can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, in damp and swampy conditions near water bodies. Females and their young keep in small herds, while males are usually solitary. They are active at night, and during the daytime, they rest in their shelters.
The breeding period lasts from November to January, when the males fight fiercely. A coating of subcutaneous tissue extending from the shoulder blades to the rump protects them from serious injuries. Before giving birth, the sow constructs a cozy nest with soft bedding and a roof made of twigs. The gestation period lasts 4-4.5 months, and the average litter consists of 4-6 piglets. They remain striped until they are three months old.
The wild boar is omnivorous and can consume from 3 to 6 kg of food per day. Their basic nutrition throughout the year includes plant roots, rhizomes, tubers, and bulbs. They also eat fruits, seeds, nuts, and various small animals. They get food mainly from the underground plant material and soil that is dug up with their hard patch and canine teeth. Frozen ground practically deprives the wild boar of food. Therefore, in winter it consumes little food and survives mainly due to its fat reserves, while many animals die of starvation.
The digging activity of the wild boar contributes to the restoration of forests on the felled and burned areas. Besides, it eats a lot of forest pests, for example, larvae of May beetles.
The wild boar is often hunted for despite its danger. There have been instances where an animal with a shot heart ran hundreds of metres. There is hardly a year when a wounded boar does not kill an unfortunate hunter with its canine teeth. In addition, females protecting their piglets can attack humans. They are able to trample to death with their sharp hooves or bite. Usually, the wild boar is very cautious and runs in panic when man appears.
This species inhabits the west of the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, southern Siberia, and the Far East. Usually, they can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, in damp and swampy conditions near water bodies. Females and their young keep in small herds, while males are usually solitary. They are active at night, and during the daytime, they rest in their shelters.
The breeding period lasts from November to January, when the males fight fiercely. A coating of subcutaneous tissue extending from the shoulder blades to the rump protects them from serious injuries. Before giving birth, the sow constructs a cozy nest with soft bedding and a roof made of twigs. The gestation period lasts 4-4.5 months, and the average litter consists of 4-6 piglets. They remain striped until they are three months old.
The wild boar is omnivorous and can consume from 3 to 6 kg of food per day. Their basic nutrition throughout the year includes plant roots, rhizomes, tubers, and bulbs. They also eat fruits, seeds, nuts, and various small animals. They get food mainly from the underground plant material and soil that is dug up with their hard patch and canine teeth. Frozen ground practically deprives the wild boar of food. Therefore, in winter it consumes little food and survives mainly due to its fat reserves, while many animals die of starvation.
The digging activity of the wild boar contributes to the restoration of forests on the felled and burned areas. Besides, it eats a lot of forest pests, for example, larvae of May beetles.
The wild boar is often hunted for despite its danger. There have been instances where an animal with a shot heart ran hundreds of metres. There is hardly a year when a wounded boar does not kill an unfortunate hunter with its canine teeth. In addition, females protecting their piglets can attack humans. They are able to trample to death with their sharp hooves or bite. Usually, the wild boar is very cautious and runs in panic when man appears.
