Maggi smell in the forest? Then there may be danger!

If you notice the well-known Maggi smell during a walk in the forest, you should be careful. We’ll tell you what it’s all about.

Everyone probably knows what the spicy Maggi sauce smells like. What is a completely normal smell at the dinner table should make you skeptical during a walk in the woods. If it suddenly smells like Maggi, there can be a serious danger. The reason for this unusual aroma is a wild animal.

Maggi smell in the forest: beware, wild boar!

The distinctive scent in the forest could indicate that a wild boar is nearby. Contrary to what is often assumed, this smell is not caused by herbs or acorns that the animals eat. This is also confirmed by the Bavarian Hunting Association in an interview with Bavarian Radio.

Wild boar, whether male or female, produce their own scent that is very similar to the Maggi smell. Therefore, an encounter with a wild boar is quite possible if it smells like Maggi. “This Maggi smell sometimes stays in place for hours after the wild boars were there,” explains forester Peter Wohlleben in an interview with SWR1.

It is often assumed that lovage, which blooms from June to August, is behind the smell in the forest. The plant is also known as maggi herb because of its scent. However, wild lovage only grows in southern, warm areas.

Maggi smell in the forest: this is how you should behave

If you suddenly notice the smell of Maggi in the forest, you should turn around quickly. The Maggi scent lingers for hours after wild boars have been there. You shouldn’t panic, but you shouldn’t take the danger lightly either.

In addition, wild boars can smell and spot you before you can. Most of the time, the shy animals rest in the undergrowth and hide until you’re gone. Nevertheless, an encounter with wild animals is not excluded. Because of their sharp tusks, they can be dangerous.

This is how you should behave if you encounter a wild boar:

• Walk away slowly and carefully.
• If possible, you should climb a tree or perch until the animal is gone. With this action you signal to the wild boar that you are not a danger.
• If you have no way of retreating, you should stretch yourself as tall as possible and clap loudly. This behavior can drive the wild boar away.

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• Collecting wood in the forest: am I even allowed to do that?
• Forest ecosystem: This is what makes up deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests