Man meets baby wild boar at Bukit Panjang, some feel encounter too close for comfort

A baby wild boar was recently sighted in Bukit Panjang, capturing the hearts of people online and sparking discussion about what to do when encountering one the next time.

TikTok user @ahguaman was walking along Pang Sua Park Connector in Bukit Panjang at around 6:30pm on Jan. 10 when he saw that a small crowd had gathered in the distance and were taking photos.

Initially thinking that it was a rabbit or a monitor lizard, he was "shocked" to see that it was a baby wild boar upon moving closer.

Documenting the encounter in a TikTok that he posted on Jan. 14, viewers were apparently equally bemused by the sighting of a juvenile wild boar as the clip got over 220,000 views.

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Baby boar spotted alone

Speaking to Mothership, the man shared that the piglet was seen alone at the time.

He said it was his first time seeing a boar on mainland Singapore, as his previous encounter was during National Service on Pulau Tekong.

He also acknowledged the numerous responses that felt he should have kept his distance and not approach the baby wild boar, as it could have compromised his own and the animal's safety.

This was so as the juvenile wild boar's mother might be in the vicinity and might be inclined to protect its brood.

There was also a fear that the juvenile wild boar might be abandoned if its parent picked up on any unfamiliar scent due to the close encounter with people.

In the clip, the juvenile wild boar subsequently scampered off into the distance.

About wild boars

Wild boars are native to Singapore, and can usually be found in forested, terrestrial and mangrove habitats.

They usually feed on a mix of both animal and plant material, such as roots, and can weigh up to 100kg.

Boars also have a high reproductive rate.

While only one piglet was spotted at Bukit Panjang, female wild boars usually have a litter of up to 12 piglets, and give birth up to twice a year.

Boars have an average lifespan of over 20 years.

Not advisable to go near the boar

It is not recommended to approach wildlife.

While wild boars appear shy, they are still wild animals and are unpredictable in behaviour, which could pose a risk to public safety, NParks said.

Like many other wild animals, wild boars will only attack if they are cornered or if they feel threatened, and female wild boars can be very protective of their young and can be easily provoked.

According to NParks, the following measures can be taken when encountering a wild boar:

• Be calm and move slowly away from the animal. Do not approach or attempt to feed the animal.
• Keep a safe distance and do not corner or provoke the animal i.e. by using a flash while taking pictures of it.
• If adults with young piglets are sighted, leave them alone. These are potentially more dangerous because they may attempt to defend their young.
• Do not touch or pick up any sick or dead wild boars.

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Top image from @ahguaman/TikTok