looduskalender.ee

The rutting period of wild boars started in November and lasts for quite long – until January – but the family planning dates aren’t quite clearly defined any longer according to zoologists. Truth is that sows with piglets have been observed at very varying times of the year. The older males join the flock during the rutting period, young males are driven off. Nature is smart – in this way inbreeding is avoided. Young sows generally become sexually mature when they are one year old, but in years that are favourable for the young, and with good feeding, even sows born in early spring may mate.

 

Our “forest pigs“ are omnivores or all-eaters. Basic food in winter is the above- and below-ground parts of plants that are dug up from under the snow. The ground under the snow cover is only frozen to a depth of a few centimetres, so between the roots snails, grubs and earthworms can still be rooted up – sources of animal proteins. In severe winters killing of diseased or weakened flock members may occur, also eating of carrion. Large numbers of boars gather at the feeding places, and so there will hopefully be fewer garden lawn diggers.

 

Wild boars move without trouble in difficult, snowy terrains – dense thickets and coppices, marshy grounds and reed banks shelter them from enemies, be it a wolf or human. With its wedge-shaped body a boar presses through thickets that may seem like walls. On soft ground and even in snow the bulky animals are aided by their feet with toes spread widely apart, so increasing the load-bearing surface, but in order to save energy moving along already trampled paths is preferred. Prudent, intelligent animals with an intricately organised life. In the flocks they get on well; the leader is the oldest sow, in whose tracks the less experienced and younger move.