pig/boar skeleton found

[janette jones]

Hello,

My son has found a skelelton while digging in our garden! It seems to be wild boar/pig. Head is similar size to pig and has all teeth intact and 2 very large upward pointing tusks? We live in Ammanford in south wales and local legend has it that wild boars roamed this area long ago. It was buried deeply, approx 10ft down in what used to be a wooded area. We think all the skeleton is there and inside the skeleton and on the bones was large pieces of white chalky stuff! is this fat or internal organs? Has anybody any idea about ageing something like this? We would be VERY interested in any information anyone can give us to find out about this animal?? The bones are not white but a brown colour. Hope someone can help..... Many thanks in advance.. Janette

[davecatt]

Hi Janette
The colour of the bones could indicate that it is quite old and the tusks sound like wild boar, but some older breeds of domestic pig may have tusk like teeth in lower jaw.

Please contact your local DEFRA office soon as poss as the depth of burial, if a domestic pig could indicate death brought on by an infection of some sort. This may not be the case but best to be cautious.

It may well turn out to be a wild boar but wait for an expert opinion on the spot before disturbing it further.

Dave

[Tursiops2]

I concur with dave, contact DEFRA asap, it could be something nasty.
T2

[janette jones]

Thankyou for the advice, will call DEFRA in the morning.
Thanks again,
Janette

[ViperaBerus]

Some piccies might help too

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by janette jones

Hello,

My son has found a skelelton while digging in our garden! It seems to be wild boar/pig. Head is similar size to pig and has all teeth intact and 2 very large upward pointing tusks? We live in Ammanford in south wales and local legend has it that wild boars roamed this area long ago. It was buried deeply, approx 10ft down in what used to be a wooded area. We think all the skeleton is there and inside the skeleton and on the bones was large pieces of white chalky stuff! is this fat or internal organs? Has anybody any idea about ageing something like this? We would be VERY interested in any information anyone can give us to find out about this animal?? The bones are not white but a brown colour. Hope someone can help..... Many thanks in advance.. Janette

Certainly proceed with caution - but after contacting DEFRA, do please notify the Dyfed Archaeological Trust Archaeology in Wales - Ymddiriedolaeth Archaeolegol Dyfed - Dyfed Archaeological Trust just in case you have got something genuinely old - a complete ancient boar skeleton would be a significant find. Boar remains have come from cave sites around Ammanford, but not any complete specimens.

CM