Scientific Name: Sus scrofa
Common Names: Feral pig, Wild boar, Wild hog
Description: Feral hogs are large terrestrial mammals that appear look very similar to their domestic relatives, but vary in color and coat pattern. Their coats are brown to brownish-black with long, stiff grizzled hairs covering their entire body. They process well-developed upper incisors and canines that project outward from the mouth. Large snouts, erect ears, a straight tail are also characteristic of this species.
Height: up to 3 feet at the shoulder
Length: up to 5 feet
Weight: up to 400 pounds, but in the southeastern U.S. states average sow weigh 150 lbs and boars 220 lbs.
Speed: Run up to 30 mph
Diet: Feral pigs are opportunistic eaters that have a keen sense of smell. They eat a variety of items from small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, to eggs of ground-nesting birds. They will also forage on roots and acorns (directly competing with native species such as deer and turkeys) depending on the season. Most foraging typically occurs in the late evening or at night.
Habitat: Because they are habitat generalists, feral hogs can live almost anywhere. They are highly adaptable and can tolerant a wide range of climates.
Length: up to 5 feet
Weight: up to 400 pounds, but in the southeastern U.S. states average sow weigh 150 lbs and boars 220 lbs.
Speed: Run up to 30 mph
Diet: Feral pigs are opportunistic eaters that have a keen sense of smell. They eat a variety of items from small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, to eggs of ground-nesting birds. They will also forage on roots and acorns (directly competing with native species such as deer and turkeys) depending on the season. Most foraging typically occurs in the late evening or at night.
Habitat: Because they are habitat generalists, feral hogs can live almost anywhere. They are highly adaptable and can tolerant a wide range of climates.
Life Cycle: If weather conditions permit, feral hogs can begin breeding as early as 6 months and breed at any time of the year. Litters range from 2-8 piglets, averaging two litters a year per sow. Gestation period ranges 108-120 days. The average lifespan of the feral pig is between 4-8 years. Because of this rapid life cycle, populations can double in one year. Due to lack of natural predators, piglet survival rate is virtually 100% in some areas.
Predators: Natural predation occurs early in life, if at all. Depending on location of feral hogs, American black bears, coyotes, and alligators have seen preying on hogs. Humans are by far the biggest predators of hogs.
Predators: Natural predation occurs early in life, if at all. Depending on location of feral hogs, American black bears, coyotes, and alligators have seen preying on hogs. Humans are by far the biggest predators of hogs.
Social Behavior: Feral hogs are social animals that travel in family groups ranging from 2-20 individuals. During the dry season, or in times of drought, groups can reach up to 100 individuals.The basic family unit, called a sounder, consists of females and their young. Weaned females will stay with their mother until mated. Males stay with their mother until they are 2 years old and then they will leave, only to return during mating seasons. Male hogs are polygamous and do not have any parental care.