Spotted: little boars in pyjamas!
Little boars can be regularly spotted on the images at Snapshot Hoge Veluwe. Now you can also spot them in the wild. This is why we would like to teach you more about these cute little animals. We also provide some tips on how to improve your changes of spotting them in the wild.
A group of piglets. Click here to watch the full series at Snapshot Hoge Veluwe.
In April and May wild boars farrow at the Hoge Veluwe. A female gets three to twelve young depending on her age and condition. Usually they get one litter a year, but it happens that a mother loses her young early in the season. In this case it is possible for her to get a second litter in late summer.
The mother, a sow, constructs a nest made of twigs, grass and leaves. When the piglets are born, they lack underfur but after a week they get their typical black brown – golden striped fur. Very cute! Their fur protects them well against cold temperatures but less so against rain and wind. When they suspect any danger, the piglets freeze and trust their camouflage to stay out of trouble. After three weeks, the piglets start to dig into the ground looking for food. Because that is what wild boars love to do. The sow lactates the young for another two months. Every little boar has its own set nipple.
In a group of wild boars also known as a sounder sows whelp at the same time. The eldest female synchronizes the gestation period for all females in the sounder. The little piglets are definitely not short on playing mates. It is very entertaining to watch the piglets play around with each other. Wild boars are social animals which is very clear when you watch the piglets play.
Maybe you have spotted a special piglet on Snapshot? Usually the young boar wear the same pyjamas but sometimes you can spot mottled or even white pyjamas. This is due to earlier crossing with domestic pigs. The genes are still present and are sometimes reflected in the fur.
A mottled piglet. Click here to watch the full series at Snapshot Hoge Veluwe.
Do you want to spot piglets in the wild? Then here are some tips to increase your luck.
1. Go early in the morning or during dusk. It is usually quiet in the forest and the boars are more active.
2. Go on foot. The chances are higher when you move slowly.
3. Avoid bright coloured clothing. Colourful garment is easily spotted, even by the visually impaired wild boar. So, leave your bright yellow jacket and blue backpack home.
4. Do not forget your binoculars. Wild boar are usually a bit further away from the paths. With binoculars they are easier to spot.
5. Stand in the opposite direction of the wind. Wild boar might be visually impaired, but they can smell extremely well. Avoid wearing perfume when you leave your home.
6. Keep calm. You improve the chance of a wild boar not noticing you when you keep calm. They might also accept your presence sooner.
7. Do not come too close! Like many other animals (and humans) mothers protect their young very well. Keep appropriate distance and never stand between a mother and her young. Normally they run away but they can be aggressive especially when they have piglets.
Good luck and maybe you will also spot some other wildlife during your search!