How to Track Wild Boars

Look for earth that has been torn up, tossed, turned over or otherwise disturbed. This rooting behavior is the most recognizable sign of wild boar activity. Wild boars root for much of their food such as tubers, worms, insects and larvae under shrubs and wet areas.

Examine the earth that has been rooted through. Moist earth indicates recent activity. If the rooting goes in one direction, it shows the path that the boar is taking. Generally, boars root close to cover first. Once that area has been tilled, they move farther away from the cover.

Check the spot the following day. Boars primarily feed at night. If they returned, map the direction the boars are rooting so that you can intercept them in the evening on the way to the feeding area or in the morning as they are leaving.

Look for wild boar tracks. They are similar to deer tracks, but rounder, shorter (approximately 2 1/2 inches long), more splayed and blunt at the tip. Front dewclaws leave crescent-shaped prints in soft soil. Rarely present hind dewclaws look like dots.

Look for scat. Wild boar droppings either look like clumps of pellets or sausage-like strings. Depending on the animal's diet, the size and consistency of scat can range from that of a horse to a human.

Look for signs of rubbing. Wild boars rub on trees, rocks and other objects to remove dirt and parasites from their skin as well as just to scratch themselves. Look for signs of rubbing anywhere from ground level to approximately 3 feet high. Telltale signs of a rub include clumps of hair and mud clinging to the object.