CONCERNING suspected wild boar (Sus scofa) in the Copythorne area.

With wild boar known to be living in Kent, Sussex, Somerset and Dorset it was only a matter of time before they were to be found in Hampshire and after all, Copythorne is only four miles from the Dorset border and the New Forest area is ideal country for them.

The wild boar living free in England were estimated at over 1,000 ten years ago and with the average mature sow producing 5 piglets (squeekers) a year the number must be now a lot higher.

The wild boar living in this country are said to be the descendants of escapees from wild boar farms during the storms of 1987.

It may be of interest to state the size and habits of wild boar.

The adult male can weigh up to 440lbs and the mature sow around 200lbs. The boar are omnivore with a diet 90 per cent vegetable and 10 per cent animal. They are in the main essentially nocturnal travelling widely at night, browsing (feeding) at its convenience.

They are for the most part a shy animal who will keep away from human beings if possible, but are dangerous when injured or cornered.

For myself I consider the wild boar a plus, they lend a certain colour and excitement to the area in which they live. Of course the numbers must be kept in check and they make very good eating.

CE WATTS, Southampton.