TOWNSEND, Mass. — Townsend, Mass., Police Department and Townsend Fire-EMS on Tuesday responded to a report of a man attacked by a male pig at a local farm just hours after the pig attacked and wounded a woman.
Townsend Police and Fire-EMS responded to 188 Fitchburg Road the first time at 5:52 p.m. for a report of an injured woman. Upon arrival, first responders found a 38-year-old woman with lacerations on her body from an apparent pig attack. Townsend Police and EMS personnel rendered first aid, and the victim was transported to Leominster Hospital for further treatment.
At 7:29 p.m., rescuers were called to the same location for a report of a man who had received more serious injuries from the same animal.
Police, Fire, and EMS personnel arrived to find a 50-year-old man with very serious injuries. A medical helicopter was requested, however the weather conditions made it impossible to transport him by air. The victim was transported by Townsend EMS to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with life-threatening injuries.
The animal, an adult male boar, has been quarantined pending further evaluation on Wednesday by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian, Animal Rescue League and Townsend Animal Control.
“The Townsend Police Department is investigating two very unfortunate farm incidents involving an animal attacking two people in the same day,” Chief Eaton said. “We will be working closely with our partners in the animal control and veterinary world to determine the best course of action.”
In the past few decades, feral swine have expanded their range in the United States, and have arguably become the most invasive and destructive large mammal species in North America.
