Brave woman kills charging boar in self-defense
A 77-year-old woman from Zhaotong, southern China, displayed remarkable courage when she fought off a wild boar that attacked her while she was working in a mountain field. Armed with only a sickle, the elderly woman managed to kill the boar, despite sustaining multiple bites during the encounter. The incident, which occurred on Friday, September 27, has captured the attention of people worldwide.
The wild boar charged at the woman while she was tending to her field. Despite her advanced age, she defended herself using a farming knife, successfully killing the boar in a fierce struggle. Photos circulating online show the brave grandmother standing over the lifeless animal, her clothes covered in blood.
Following the attack, the woman was taken to a hospital for a medical examination. Fortunately, despite the boar’s bites, she did not suffer any severe injuries and was able to walk away from the incident.
Wild boar menace in China
According to local reports, the same wild boar had attacked two other villagers just days before the encounter with the grandmother. Wild boars have increasingly become a threat in many parts of China, with growing populations leading to frequent human-wildlife conflicts. In response to this rising danger, Chinese authorities removed wild boars from the list of protected wildlife in July 2023, citing overpopulation as a primary concern.
Online praise for the hero grandmother
The grandmother’s bravery has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms like BiliBili, where users have hailed her as a “strong fighter.” Many commenters marveled at her strength and courage, with some humorously suggesting she should “use the boar in a stew.” One user remarked, “She’s still in the prime of her life at 77 years old.”
The boar population in China
Their growing numbers across the country drove the decision to remove wild boars from China’s protected wildlife list. According to the government-sanctioned China Daily newspaper, wild boars are now found in 28 of China’s provinces, causing harm in over 850 counties. The once-threatened species has rebounded, and in many areas, the population is now considered too high, leading to increased incidents of damage and attacks.
As wild boars continue to pose a threat, stories like this one highlight the dangers rural communities face and the resilience of those who live alongside nature’s wild forces.
