[josh]

One of the appeals of NZ, for me at least, is that there are apparently no human predators and dangerous animals such as mountain lions, bears, poisonous snakes, etc.

However, from what I have read, the wild boar is common here, and quite dangerous.

I don't know much about them, and I'm wondering if I should be
concerned about them while in the backcountry. Are they much of a
danger to hikers? Do they attack unprovoked? What parts of the
country are they mostly located?

I currently live in Colorado, USA, and having knowledge and respect of the wildlife is a prudent thing to know while out tramping in the mountains.

Any info you can offer or point me to would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

[Oregonkiwi]

In my experience they're not a problem. I never encountered one while hiking and have never heard of anyone being attacked by one. I think you'd really have to go looking to even see one. But I don't have any back country experience so maybe someone else will have the definitive answer.

[Diny]

I don't think you need worry yourself too much. Over here pig hunting is quite big, but I have to emphasise the 'hunting' part of that comment. They're not running around in the open spaces waiting for passers by to take a pop at them.

I guess if you were daft/unlucky enough to corner one of the native piggies or maybe get between a mother and her young you may need to watch out but I think you'll find they run a mile at the first sign invasion. Attacks aren't unheard of but they're very uncommon.

Diny