Introduced from Europe for hunting; now invasive across much of the US. Highly destructive to crops, native wildlife habitats.

Also called: Wild Boar, Feral Hog, Razorback

Native status: Non-native (Eurasia); invasive in US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 1.0–1.5 m; shoulder height 60–90 cm
Weight35–150 kg (record 350+ kg)
LifespanWild 4–10 years
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilySuidae

§ Encyclopedia

The wild boar, also known as the wild swine, common wild pig, Eurasian wild pig, or simply wild pig, is a suid native to much of Eurasia and North Africa, and has been introduced to the Americas and Oceania. The species is now one of the widest-ranging mammals in the world, as well as the most widespread suiform. It has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide range, high numbers, and adaptability to a diversity of habitats. It has become an invasive species in part of its introduced range. Wild boars probably originated in Southeast Asia during the Early Pleistocene and outcompeted other suid species as they spread throughout the Old World.

Source: Wikipedia — Wild boar Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive boar with dark coat; large tusks in males; heavy build.

Similar species. Domestic Pig (related; different shape). Javelina (smaller; collared; different family).

Voice. Grunts; squeals.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous: roots, tubers, fruits, small vertebrates, carrion, agricultural crops.

Behavior. Native to Eurasia; introduced to North America for hunting in early 1900s and escaped/hybridized with feral pigs. Now widespread invasive species causing massive ecological damage. Among the most-feared US invasive species.

§ Range

Native to Eurasia; invasive across the US

§ Habitat

Diverse: forests, grasslands, suburbs

§ Threats

In US: they're the threat. Habitat destruction, agricultural damage.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the wild boar (invasive) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

In US: support hunting and removal programs. Don't introduce or expand populations.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Wildlife Services Feral Swine Damage Management
  • IUCN Red List 2017