This hike took a twist. After an early start at the bottom of Rhododendron Creek, I had easily crossed the creek and passed the first two waterfalls when I saw a couple black things scurry up a hill. Very quickly, I realized they were not bears but boars. Having only had two previous encounters with boars, I wasn't certain of the protocol. Since they had moved up and away, I proceeded cautiously. This was a very narrow and steep gorge I was in. Within a minute, I spotted two more boar. Both were in the trail beside a creek.
In the photo you can see the boar in the trail bordered by a steep hill and the creek. These guys did not scamper off like the first two, so I turned back.
Later in the day, I was attending a CPR and first aid course nearby with some local volunteer hike leaders. Among them was a local fellow with years of service in bear rescue and rehabilitation. His take is that the boar usually move away as bears would. He also mentioned that boar encounters are rare.
My first encounter was about a dozen years ago outside Cataloochie. There were over 20 up on a hillside. Adults were staring at me which smaller ones were rooting around. It was spooky and I hope I don't encounter that number again.
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