Identifying and Reporting FERAL SWINE

What Are Feral Swine?

Feral swine (also called wild pigs, Eurasian boar, 

or feral hogs) are a harmful and destructive 

invasive species. They are not native to North 

America. Early explorers and settlers first 

brought feral swine into the United States in 

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

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, approximately 

6 million feral swine can be found across more 

than 31 States.

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.

This invasive species:

• Contaminates water supplies

• Destroys crops, pastures, and timber 

resources by consuming, rooting, 

and trampling

• Threatens domestic livestock, with 

major economic losses for producers 

• Disrupts, displaces, and preys on 

wildlife, including threatened or 

endangered animals

• 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

Why Are They a Problem?

What Do They Look Like?

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
 

Identifying and Reporting FERAL SWINE

How You Can Help

Wherever feral swine are, they become a problem, 

threatening livestock, agriculture, property, forests 

and other natural areas, native wildlife, and public 

health and safety.

• Report any feral swine sightings, signs, or 

damage to wildlife and agriculture officials in your 

State. This is especially important if you live in an 

area with very few or no feral swine.

• Don’t relocate feral swine to new areas or 

transport them to other States.

• Spread the word to discourage others from 

transporting and spreading feral swine to new areas.

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)

Tunnels and trails through 

thick vegetation

Tracks in the mud near springs, ponds, 

and streams

Feral swine “scat” (resembles dog feces 

and may contain acorns, grains, and 

animal hair, scales, or feathers)

Want To Learn More?

Call the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services program in your 

State at 1-866-4-USDA-WS or go to www.aphis.usda.

gov/wildlife-damage/stopferalswine to learn more 

about the problems caused by this invasive animal, as well 

as to seek advice and assistance in dealing with feral swine.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal

opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Program Aid No. 2195c 

Revised May 2020