boar, also calledwild boar orwild pig, any of the wild members of thepig speciesSus scrofa, familySuidae. The termboar is also used to designate the male of the domestic pig,guinea pig, and various other mammals. The termwild boar, orwild pig, is sometimes used to refer to any wild member of theSus genus.

The wild boar—which is sometimes called the European wild boar—is the largest of the wild pigs and is native to forests ranging from western and northernEurope andNorth Africa toIndia, theAndaman Islands, andChina. It has been introduced toNew Zealand and to the United States (where it mixed with native feral species). It is bristly haired, grizzled, and blackish or brown in colour and stands up to 90 cm (35 inches) tall at the shoulder. Except for old males, which are solitary, wild boars live in groups. The animals are swift, nocturnal, and omnivorous and are good swimmers. They possess sharp tusks, and, although they are normally unaggressive, they can be dangerous.

From earliest times, because of its great strength, speed, and ferocity, thewild boar has been one of the favourite beasts of the chase. In some parts of Europe and India it is still hunted with dogs, but thespear has mostly been replaced with the gun.

In Europe the boar is one of the four heraldic beasts of the chase and was the distinguishing mark ofRichard III, king of England. As an article offood, the boar’s head was long considered a special delicacy.