Identifying and Reporting Feral Swine - Publication

Identifying and Reporting FERAL SWINE
What Are Feral Swine?

Why Are They a Problem?

Feral swine (also called wild pigs, Eurasian boar,

This invasive species:

or feral hogs) are a harmful and destructive
invasive species. They are not native to North
America. Early explorers and settlers first

• Contaminates water supplies
• Destroys crops, pastures, and timber

brought feral swine into the United States in

resources by consuming, rooting, and

the 1500s as a source of food. The number of

trampling

feral swine grew further after that; they were
introduced repeatedly in different areas of the
country and also started crossbreeding with
escaped domestic pigs. Today, their geographic
range is quickly expanding as their populations
continue increasing nationwide. Over 6 million

• Threatens domestic livestock, with
major economic losses for producers
• Disrupts, displaces, and preys on
wildlife, including threatened or

• Degrades wildlife habitat and other
environmentally and culturally
valuable areas
• Displaces native wildlife, including
game animals, and competes with
them for food and other resources
• Poses many risks for public safety and
human and animal health

endangered animals

feral swine can now be found across more than
35 States.

What Do They Look Like?
Feral swine come in many different sizes and colors because of their extensive
crossbreeding. Some look like pure Russian or Eurasian wild boars, while others
look more like domestic pigs. Adults weigh from 75 to 250 pounds on average, but
can get twice as large as that. They may grow to be 3 feet tall and 5 feet long. They
generally have a thick coat of coarse, bristly hair. Male feral swine typically have
larger heads and tusks than females.
Feral swine reproduce rapidly. Females, or sows, begin breeding at about 8 months
and can produce 2 litters of 4–12 piglets every 12–15 months. Sows and their young
travel in family groups, called sounders. Sounders can include a few to as many as
30 pigs. The adult males (boars) eventually split off from the sounder and become
solitary. Feral swine are usually active at night and are rarely seen during daylight hours.
The best way to identify whether feral swine are active in your area is to look for
signs of damage.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Identifying and Reporting FERAL SWINE
Signs of Feral Swine
Property damage and destroyed
vegetation from rooting or digging; can
be extensive and cover several acres

Wallows (wide, shallow holes) in moist
areas in warmer months
Rubbing marks on trees and fence or power
line posts (often occur after wallowing,
leaving behind mud, hair, and scent)

How You Can Help
Wherever feral swine are, they become a problem,

Tunnels and trails through

threatening livestock, agriculture, property, forests

thick vegetation

and other natural areas, native wildlife, and public
health and safety.
Report any feral swine sightings,

t

Tracks in the mud near springs, ponds,

signs, or damage to wildlife and

and streams

agriculture officials in your State. This
is especially important if you live in an

Feral swine “scat” (resembles dog feces

area with very few or no feral swine.

animal hair, scales, or feathers)

t

and may contain acorns, grains, and

Don’t relocate feral swine to new
areas or transport them to other States.

t

Spread the word to discourage others
from transporting and spreading feral
swine to new areas.

Want To Learn More?
Wildlife Services, part of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, is on the front lines in
the battle with this invasive animal.
If you have questions or need help dealing
with feral swine, call us at 1-866-4USDA-WS or go to
www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-damage/stopferalswine.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider,
employer, and lender.
Program Aid No. 2195c
Issued April 2016