TEXAS FERAL HOG FACTS
Rick Taylor, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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Name:
Feral Hogs (Sus Scrofa) are members of the swine family Suidae and include European wild hogs, feral hogs, and European-feral crossbreeds.
Origin:
Domestic hogs were introduced into Texas over 300 years ago by Spanish explorers to provide cured meat and lard for settlers. As domestic stock escaped or were released into the wild, free-ranging populations of feral hogs became established.
In the 1930's European wild hogs, "Russian Boars," were imported into Texas by sportsmen for hunting purposes. Most of these escaped the game ranches and began interbreeding with existing populations of wild hogs. As a result, there are very few pure bred European hogs remaining in Texas.
Biological Characteristics:
Feral hogs closely resemble domestic hogs in size and appearance and will exhibit great variations in color patterns. Adults may reach a shoulder height of 36 in. and weigh 100 to 400+ lbs. Other characteristics include: poor eyesight, elongated snouts, long, straight tails, and four continuously growing tusks.
Although capable of breeding at 6 months of age, they are more likely to reach sexual maturity at 8-10 months. The gestation period is approximately 115 days with her litter sizes ranging from 4-12 young.
The average life expectancy is 4 to 5 years. Mortality in feral hog populations is greatest among young under 3 months of age because of increased susceptibility to accident, predation, and starvation.
By nature, they are opportunistic feeders and will eat both plant and animal matter. Preferred food items include: forbs, grasses, roots, tubers, leaves, nuts, agricultural crops, insects, and live and dead animals.
Distribution and Habitat Preference:
Feral hogs are widely distributed throughout the state and are generally associated with areas inhabited by white-tailed deer. The highest population densities occur in Central, East and South Texas.
Highly adaptable, hogs may be found in a variety of habitat types although bottomland sites adjacent to creeks, rivers and sloughs are preferred. These sites provide suitable muddy areas for wallowing, which the hogs do to cool off and to protect their skin from the sun and the insects.
Hogs, Livestock, and Wildlife:
Feral hogs impact livestock and wildlife primarily through direct competition for forage and by excessive rooting activity, which can severely damage agricultural crops, improved pastures, and wildlife habitat. On occasion, they may prey directly on fawns, kid goats, lambs, quail, and turkey.
To prevent the transmission of pseudorabies, swine brucellosis and other diseases, keep all live trapped feral hogs in isolation from domestic livestock. For additional information on the regulations governing the trapping and transplanting of feral swine, contact the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Hunting Opportunities:
Providing great sport, feral hogs are classified as a non-game, non-protected species and may be hunted year round with the purchase of a hunting license.
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