The story of two tourists being chased by a wild boar in the sea near Ithaca, Greece, is a striking reminder of a lesser-known fact: wild boars are surprisingly capable swimmers.
This incident, captured on video, highlights the increasing encounters between wildlife and humans in tourist areas.
@aleks_jevtic She was cute from the distance 😭@grace ray @Allegra 🎀
♬ Carmen Habanera, classical opera(1283412) – perfectpanda
Wild boars are excellent swimmers
Wild boars are excellent swimmers and will readily enter the water to cool down, find food, or travel to new areas. They’re often seen swimming across rivers, lakes, and even stretches of open sea.
The small, uninhabited island of Atokos, where the incident occurred, is known to have a population of wild pigs, and it’s not unusual for them to be seen on the beaches and in the water. They are known to travel considerable distances in the water, sometimes even between islands. It is a mystery how the pigs ended up on the uninhabited 1.7 square mile (4.5 sq km) island that belongs administratively to Ithaca. It is also part of the Natura 2000 network due to its rich and rare marine life.
Are wild boars dangerous?
Wild boars are generally not aggressive towards humans and tend to avoid contact. They are, however, wild animals and can be dangerous, especially if they feel threatened, are cornered, or are protecting their young. Their sharp tusks can cause serious injury.
In this particular incident, the boar’s behavior was more of a chase than an attack. The boar may have been attracted by the tourists’ presence, possibly associating them with food, as wild animals that are frequently exposed to humans can lose their natural fear and become habituated to seeking out food from people. The tourists’ panicked reaction of moving away may have triggered the boar’s chase instinct.
@mandiep64 THE SWIMMING PIGS ADVENTURES #bucketlist #swimmingpigs #adventuretime #fyp #follow
♬ Good Day – Nappy Roots
