- Domesticated swine originally came from Europe.
- These animals were introduced by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto specifically for clearing land, and as a food source in the 1760s.
- Old World Species. In addition, they are considered to be one of the most highly intelligent (exotic/native) species. Respond to human pressure via avoidance.
- During the 1920s the Eurasian wild boar was introduced in the U.S specifically as a game series.
- Approximately in the 1960s, both of these species of swine mated and hybridized into the feral pigs. It is hotly debated whether or not this species became hybridized as a result of its escape from captivity or people intentionally releasing them; either way feral pigs are now pest our environment today specifically in agriculture.
- Can exist in just about any habitat and ecosystem.
- Known to be creatures of habit. Moderate affinity to home range.
- Feral swine populations have been able to rapidly grow because this species lacks natural predators on the wild. In addition they are excellent survivors as they are opportunistic and acute scavengers.
- They have been known to scavenge on corpses of deer, and other mammals. These animals will eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths. As a result they are competing and thus affecting native U.S animal and plant populations.
Aside from being an invasive nuisance, people do enjoy hunting feral pigs. In this regard, people do release hogs into the wild, but must adhere to strict local and national regulations. For example in Texas residents are allowed to translocate feral pigs for slaughter and livestock populations provided that these animals are screened for disease
Figure 1. Distribution map of Feral pig in the United States in 2012. This invasive species is now extant extant in 23 states.
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- Rural land and agriculture issue --> Suburban/Rural issues
- Illegal Translocation-the practice of capturing wild pigs, transporting them to new locations, and releasing them into the wild by hunters and trappers have also increased their spread
- Range expansion over last 20 years mostly due to illegal translocation
- Government Did not help control secondary spread of Feral Hogs
The federal government is involved. The Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is preparing a national feral swine plan. President Barack Obama has proposed $20 million in his proposed 2014 budget for the plan, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials have said.