BOAR, the name given to the male of the domestic pig (q.v.) and to the male of some wild species of the family Suidae (see SwINE). The European wild boar (Sus scrofa) is distributed over Europe, northern Africa and central and northern Asia. Long extinct in the British Isles, it is still found in marshy woodland districts, where there is plenty of cover, in Spain, Austria, Russia and Germany. From the earliest times, owing to its great strength, speed and ferocity when at bay, the boar has been one of the favourite beasts of the chase.
In Europe the wild boar is still hunted with dogs, but the spear, except when used in emergencies and for giving the coup de grace, has been replaced by the gun. The wild boar of India (S. cristatus) is slightly taller than S. scrofa, standing about 3o to 4oin. at the shoulder. It is found throughout India, Ceylon and Burma. Here the horse and spear are used for hunting it (see PIG-STICKING).
The boar is one of the four heraldic beasts of venery, and was the cognizance of Richard III., king of England. As an article of food the boar's head was long considered a special delicacy.