Feral Hog
Sus scrofa
A powerful nonnative omnivore that roots through soil and can damage Florida habitats, lawns, and crops.
Feral Hogs occur throughout Florida in forests, ranchlands, agricultural areas, wetlands, and suburban fringes. Descended from domestic swine and introduced wild stock, they are highly adaptable and are not native wildlife.
Rooting and wallowing disturb soil, damage native plants, expose tree roots, erode shorelines, and degrade water quality. They may also prey on ground nests and compete with native animals, making prompt, lawful control important where damage is occurring.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Scrub and Dry Prairie, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
An opportunistic omnivore that eats roots, tubers, acorns, crops, fruits, fungi, insects, worms, eggs, reptiles, carrion, and other available foods.
Behavior:
Most active at night and around dawn or dusk, hogs travel alone or in family groups called sounders. They use their snouts to root soil, wallow in wet areas, and can reproduce rapidly.
Nighttime, Dawn and Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Dawn, dusk, or nighttime near muddy trails, wallows, forest edges, and agricultural fields.
Florida Native Status:
Non-native
Conservation Status:
Invasive, nonnative species; populations are widespread and managed to reduce ecological and property damage.
Safety Level:
High
Safety Information:
Never approach, corner, feed, or attempt to capture a feral hog. Keep pets leashed, secure attractants, give animals a clear escape route, and contact an experienced wildlife professional or land manager about control.
Benefits to Property:
Limited ecological benefit in Florida. Where lawfully harvested, they may provide recreational hunting opportunities and food, but those uses do not offset their invasive impacts.
Property Concerns:
Can destroy lawns, gardens, crops, irrigation, fences, and native plantings; contaminate water; carry diseases and parasites; and become dangerous when cornered, wounded, or protecting young.
Fun Fact:
- A family group is called a sounder.
- Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food underground.
- Tracks show two main hoof toes and may show dewclaws in soft mud.
Wildlife Laws:
Feral Hogs are nonnative wildlife. Rules differ among private land, public land, wildlife management areas, hunting methods, seasons, and property boundaries. Obtain landowner permission and follow current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local requirements before trapping or taking hogs.
Identification:
Feral Hogs vary from black or brown to reddish, gray, spotted, or brindled. They have coarse hair, long snouts, small eyes, short legs, cloven hooves, and a compact body. Adult males may develop prominent tusks and thick shoulder shields.