The Eurasian wild boars (Sus scrofa), also called wild pigs, feral pigs, or wild hogs, are undeniably one of the most intimidating animals in the wild. They are large, aggressive, and have sharp tusks reaching up to 30 cm in length. Despite their fierce reputation, wild boars do have predators.
Interestingly, humans are one of the biggest predators of these feral hogs. They get hunted for their meat, a delicacy in many cultures. In some parts of the world, wild boar hunting is even considered a sport!
But in the wild, what animals eat wild boars? Read on to see the natural predators that prey on them!
What eats wild boars?
Wild boars are large and fierce pigs in the wild. At first, it seems like these animals fall prey to no one. You may think it’s impossible, but it’s not! Here are some animals that hunt and eat wild boars:
American Alligator
The American alligator is a large reptile with habitats ranging from freshwater rivers and lakes to swamps. They are one of the biggest predators of wild boars.
Alligators often wait for their prey to come close to the water’s edge before attacking. Once they attack, they try to drag their prey into the water to drown them.
In addition, alligators will also eat dead animals. So, if a wild boar dies from another cause, the alligator will still reap the benefits!
Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a large bird of prey often seen with its wings outstretched, riding on air currents. These birds are scavengers, which means they eat dead animals.
While turkey vultures eat just about any animal carcass, they prefer wild boars. But if you’re thinking of those enormous 400-pound boars, that’s not the case! These birds can’t eat them live.
What they do is target and chase small wild boar piglets. These piglets often get separated from their mothers and are left vulnerable. Once the turkey vulture catches its prey, it will tear it apart with its powerful beak and eat it.
Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is a large bird of prey with a wingspan reaching up to 2.3 meters! These birds live in mountainous regions and hunt for their food.
While they will eat just about any small animal, wild boars are one of their favorites. Golden eagles will swoop down and grab their prey with their powerful talons. Once they have a firm grip, they will fly up and drop their prey from a great height. This technique is called “stooping.”
The golden eagle has been known to kill prey that weighs up to 12 kg!
Owls
There are many species of owls, but all of them are predators of wild boars. These birds of prey use their sharp talons and beaks to kill their prey.
Owls typically hunt at night, making it difficult for their prey to see them. They will often perch in a high place and wait for their prey to come close before attacking. Owls will typically target small wild boar piglets.
Black Bear
The black bear is a mammal that lives in forests across North America. These bears are excellent tree climbers and are also very good swimmers.
Black bears typically eat fruits, nuts, and plants. But when they’re looking for meat, wild boars are one of their favorite prey!
Black bears will often stalk their prey before attacking. Once they’re close enough, they will use their powerful claws to catch and kill their prey.
Bobcat
The bobcat is a North American wildcat that coexists in the same area as wild boar populations.
They typically prey on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents. But when their favorite food is scarce, they will also hunt for wild boars.
Bobcats are excellent hunters and can take down prey, especially small wild boar piglets. Although bobcats take so much delight in them, boars are not a major component of their festive diet, and they still take part in reducing wild pig populations.
Mountain Lion or Cougar
The mountain lion, also called the cougar, is a large cat that lives in the western hemisphere. Mountain lions typically hunt deer, but they will also eat wild boars if they’re available. While other predators mentioned prey on boar piglets, cougars break the ice! They’re more than capable of taking down adult ones.
Cougars are stealthy predators and will often stalk their prey before attacking. They will use their powerful claws and teeth to kill their prey when ready to strike.
Ocelot
The ocelot is a wild cat that lives in the rainforests of Central and South America. These cats are medium-sized and spotted, having 30 to 40cm-wide on their shoulders.
These mammals are not common and not widespread. However, numerous reports and documentation support their preying on wild boars, specifically young and juvenile ones.
Small Indian Mongoose
The small Indian mongoose is a species of mongoose that lives in the wilds of Africa, Asia, and Europe. These animals are small, with adults only growing to about 60cm in length.
The small Indian mongoose is not a major predator of wild boars. But they will kill and eat them if they have the opportunity. These mongooses typically kill small prey, such as rodents and snakes. But when their favorite food is scarce, they will hunt for young wild boars.
Leopard
The leopard is a large cat that lives in Africa and Asia. These cats are one of the most feared predators in the wild. They are fast, powerful, and agile.
Leopards typically hunt at night, using their excellent night vision to help them see their prey. They will use their powerful claws and teeth to kill their prey when they’re ready to attack.
Wolves
Wolves are large mammals that have a wide distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia. These animals are social creatures that live in groups.
Wolves are excellent hunters and can take down large prey, including adult wild boars. Their hunting skills are as fierce and strong as their appearance. And since they live in packs, boars will have no escape once faced with them.
A single wolf can already take down an individual boar. How much more when these animals are in packs? They certainly can wipe out a considerable part of the wild boar population.
Coyotes
Coyotes are a species of canine that lives in North America. They are similar to dogs, but they are smaller in size. These animals are excellent hunters and can take down their prey with ease. Like wolves, coyotes also hunt in packs. And when they do, they will go after anything they find, including wild boars and domestic pigs.
Anaconda
The anaconda is a large snake that lives in the rainforest areas of South America. These snakes can grow to be up to 30 feet long! That’s as long as a school bus, yikes!
Anacondas are not common predators of wild boars. But there have been reports of them attacking and eating these animals. Adult anacondas will typically eat anything they deem as interesting. And since wild boars are large animals, they definitely fit the bill.
Boa Constrictor
The boa constrictor is a large snake that lives in Central and South America. Their habitat is often located in rainforests, open savannas, and fields. Like the anaconda, these snakes can grow up to 30 feet long!
Boa constrictors are non-venomous snakes. They kill their prey by constricting them, which means wrapping their body around the prey until it suffocates.
Need Help With Wild Boar Infestation On Your Property?
You’re not alone if you have a wild boar problem on your property. These animals are a nuisance and can cause damage to your property. But don’t worry, we can help!
AAAC Wildlife Removal specializes in wild pig control. We use humane and effective methods to remove these animals from your property.
We can help you get rid of your wild boar problem- guaranteed! And we will also clean up any damage they have caused, such as wild pig rooting.
Call us and let us remove these nuisances from your property!
Conclusion
Wild boars might be fierce, but there are plenty of animals that hunt them for food. These predators have no problem taking down a wild boar, from alligators to black bears!
The wild boars’ predators range from medium and large mammals to dominating raptors in the sky. While adult wild pig populations can be over 400 pounds, they are easy meals for alligators and cougars. Other predators are only normally capable of small young piglets. Still, there are enough dangers in the wild for these animals.
So, do wild boars have predators? Yes, they certainly do! To learn more about wild boar predators and the damage they can cause, click here: wild boar predators.
If you have concerns about wild boars or any other wildlife issues on your property, don’t hesitate to contact AAAC Wildlife Removal. Our experienced team can provide effective solutions to address the situation and ensure the safety of your property.
FAQs
Are boars clean animals?
Wild boars or pigs, in general, are very clean animals in their natural state. They groom themselves often, and the only time they get untidy is when they’re already wallowing in mud or soil.
Are wild boars omnivorous?
Wild boars belong to the group of omnivores, consuming a variety of plant and animal material. Wild boar individuals forage for things like roots, grasses, fruits, seeds, insects, amphibians, small mammals, and reptiles. They are also popular to scavenge on the tissues and remains of other vertebrates.
Domesticated pig species are not herbivores! They have the same diet as their wild counterparts.
What does a wild boar look like?
A wild boar is describable as a large, stocky mammal with long bodies and short legs. They have a thick fur or cat, usually black, brown, or even reddish. Males boars have tusks, growing up to 12 inches long.
Like their domesticated counterparts, they have hair that appears as bristles, cone-shaped snouts, hairy ears, thick hooves, and short tails.
