“LEAVE THEM ALONE”
However, other residents CNA spoke to were not worried about attacks, as the boars typically shy away from humans. Their numbers also appear to be dwindling, residents said.
Mr Zhuo Si Ming, who has lived in Bukit Panjang for about 30 years, was tending a community garden in the Bangkit area when CNA spoke to him on Monday. The 85-year-old pointed out some plants that the wild boars often root in, and said the animals also ate prayer offerings left near void decks.
The boars flee when humans approach, he said.
A resident of more than 20 years who wanted to be known as Madam Yeo told CNA she has not had any adverse encounters with wild boars.
“I don’t feel that they are as dangerous as most people perceive,” said the 46-year-old, adding that people should just be more aware of their surroundings at night when the boars often appear, rather than being on their phones or plugged into earphones.
Asked if she thought the population of wild boars was an issue, she said: “I think it’s quite unfair to the wild boars, in the first place it’s their place isn’t it? Sometimes I see them walking around, a bit restless.
“The two cases are quite unfortunate, I’m not sure what happened.”
Taxi driver Abraham Leong, 71, said wild boars used to appear at his HDB block and forage around a chiku tree near his small plot of plants in Segar Gardens estate.
However such occurrences have been rare since the installation of fences at Zhenghua Nature Park.
“Sometimes people who use the path, they forget to close the gate, that’s why (the boars) come in.
“I only see one (boar), and I don’t think it’s a problem … If it’s really many I think (it may be a problem). Leave them alone, you see them there then you go away,” he said.