Feral swine : North Carolina wildlife profiles

Feral Swine North Carolina Wildlife Profiles Feral Swine (Sus scrofa) Feral swine have been labeled as, “the greatest vertebrate modifiers of natural plant and animal communities." Simply put, feral swine are a non-native invader in North Carolina capable of severe impacts on the state’s native wildlife and plants. Description While terminology as it relates to “pigs” can be confusing, no matter what you call them — feral swine, wild boar, Eurasian wild boar, and all hybrids between them — are all the same species, Sus scrofa. ,411 domestic pig breeds are descendant from the Eurasian wild boar, and when allowed to roam wild, can quickly revert to the habits and physical characteristics of their w'ild ancestors. Feral swine coloration and coat pattern can vary greatly and may include combina¬ tions of w'hite, black, brown, and red. Piglets are often striped or spotted, but lose this coloration as they mature. The body is covered sparsely with stiff bristle hairs and a fine undercoat. Although usually longer and leaner, feral swine closely resemble domestic hogs in appearance. History and Status Feral swine are not native to North America or North Carolina. "Old world” swine were brought to North Carolina by early explorers in the 1500s as a reliable source of meat. In later years, free-range husbandry practices, along with intentional releases, re¬ portedly gave North Carolina more pigs than any other colony in the new world. During periods of economic hardship, people relied on these “domestic" pigs as a food resource. This and other factors helped keep free-range pig populations in check throughout the first half of the 20th century. Additional releases, the popularization of "boar” hunting, and subsequent protection as a game animal later lead to expanding populations across the state. In 2011, the status of all free-ranging swine was changed, declaring them a nongame animal with no closed season or bag limits. Feral swine are now considered by most people in the state to be a nuisance to property owners and a dangerous liability to native wildlife communities. USDA-APHIS Feral swine are a non-native, invasive species capable of severe impacts on North Carolina's native wildlife and plants. Feral swine often resemble domestic swine (Photo: Steve Hillabrand/VSFWS) Damage caused by feral swine (Photo: USDA/APHIS) Range and Distribution In North Carolina, heavy concentrations of wild pigs are scattered across the state and not contiguous. Feral swine have been documented in most counties of the state with densities being highest in the south¬ ern mountain region as well as in several coastal counties. Habitats & Habits Feral swine are highly adaptable animals that can live in urban, suburban and rural areas from the mountains to the sea. Feral swine are opportunistic feeders and are om¬ nivorous, meaning that they will eat most anything. Insects, worms and a wide range of vegetative matter are common in a feral pig’s diet. Larger animals are also fair game, like snakes, turtles and lizards, as well as the young of ground nesting birds like quail and turkey, and the occasional deer fawn. Sexual maturi ty comes at an early age for pigs. Most female pigs reach puberty at 6 to 10 months, and young males are developmental!)’ ready for breeding at about the same time. Females can give birth to multiple litters annually with litter sizes depending on the breeding Confirmed Feral Swine Reports in 2017-18* ■ Confirmed □ Unconfirmed 'Data collected from Sept. i, 2017 - Aug. 31, 2018