SLELO PRISM

Feral swine Sus scrofa were once domestic pigs from Europe and Asia. Since being brought to the United States, some have become free-ranging feral swine populations. Although they may look like domestic pigs, feral swine are very aggressive and pose serious threats to humans and local ecosystems.

DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Resembles domestic pigs with wide varieties of coloration. Some have spots, stripes, belting, or are solid brown. May have tusks up to 5 inches in length. On average, adults range 110-130 pounds but can weigh up to 400 lbs. Offspring: Born year-round in litters of 1-8 piglets. Gestation time is 115 days, allowing for several litters each year.

(Photo Credit: Vladimir Dinets, University of Miami, Bugwood.org)

THREATS/DAMAGE

Feral Swine compete with native wildlife for food and prey on their young; foul water quality with their waste and wallowing activities; cause erosion and damage to a variety of habitats and quickly destroy natural and agricultural landscapes with their rooting behavior. They also transmit diseases to domestic livestock and humans. They have sharp tusks and can be aggressive toward humans and other animals.

(Photo credit: Billy Higginbotham, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org)

CONTROL/MANAGEMENT

NYS State Law: “As of October 2013 it is illegal to import, breed or release Eurasian boars in New York. After September 1, 2015, it will be illegal to possess, sell, distribute, trade or transport Eurasian boars in the state. In addition, a new regulation adopted on April 23, 2014, prohibits the hunting or trapping of free-ranging Eurasian boar statewide.” -NYS DEC

For more information visit on state management and new feral swine, regulations visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/70843.html .