The RSPCA is urging the public to keep their distance from wild boars in Devon, as a number of them may be unusually protective while nursing their young. The society has received information that at least three sows in the Roborough area of Dartmoor currently have litters of young, which would explain why some dog walkers in the county have experienced problems when they or their dogs encountered them. RSPCA chief inspector Neil Thomas is urging walkers to keep their distance from all wild boar and to be patient for the next couple of months, while the sows are caring for and guarding their offspring. Chief Inspector Thomas said: 'Since wild boar like dense areas with lots of gorse and other cover, walkers may not even be aware that these creatures have young. 'It is quite usual for the piglets to be hidden in the undergrowth, with the sows coming forward to make their presence known if they feel threatened by a person or dog which has run on ahead of its owner. 'Wild boar are not usually aggressive creatures, but like all good mothers they simply want to protect their young. So we urge the public to keep their distance as much as possible and ensure their dogs are kept under control.' Motorists are also being urged to drive more slowly and cautiously in the area as wild boar have occasionally been known to stray on to or cross roads. Wild boar generally avoid people and, by preference, are more active at night. There are only two recorded cases in Britain in the last eight years of boar attacking people and actually making physical contact, though a mother will protect her young if people come too close.