Overview
Wild Boar (Feral Hog) appears on the Exotic Wildlife Association species list as Hog (Feral) — ESA: Not Listed; CITES: N/A. [1]
Native range
Wild boars ( Sus scrofa ) are a cosmopolitan species. They originated in Europe and Asia, but were widely introduced to North America and are considered an invasive species in the southeastern United States and California. [2]
Size
66–272 kg (ADW range). [2]
Lifespan
12-13 years (wild, range); 27 years (captivity, range); 2 to 9-10 years (wild, typical). [2]
Breeding & gestation
Gestation 108–120 days; offspring per birth: 5; females mature at 10 months. [2]
Temperament & social structure
Not verified from a primary source for this page.
Habitat needs
Given their wide distribution, wild boars can be found in a variety of habitats. They may inhabit grassy savanna areas, wooded forests, agricultural areas, shrublands and marshy swamplands. ADW biomes: savanna or grassland, forest. [2]
Where they thrive (Texas / US)
Wild boars ( Sus scrofa ) are a cosmopolitan species. They originated in Europe and Asia, but were widely introduced to North America and are considered an invasive species in the southeastern United States and California. [2]
Space per animal
No verified species-specific stocking rate was found. Carrying capacity depends on rainfall, range condition and competing grazers—get a range/stocking assessment (NRCS or Texas A&M AgriLife).
Housing & shelter
Not verified from a primary source for this page.
Fencing
No primary-source fencing standard was verified for this species; get containment advice from an experienced keeper or veterinarian.
Natural diet
Wild boars are omnivorous. They predominantly eat plant matter, particularly crops, fruits, nuts (mast), roots, and green plants. ADW diet type: omnivore. [2]
Feed & supplementation
No verified species-specific diet formulation was found for this page; follow a veterinarian or nutritionist.
Common health issues & parasites
No verified species-specific health list for this page; consult a veterinarian experienced with this species.
Vet care & vaccination
No vaccines are labeled for this species in the US; any vaccination protocol is extra-label and should be set by a veterinarian experienced with exotic hoofstock. (No specific protocol was verified for this page.)
Handling & capture
Capture myopathy—muscle damage from pursuit, restraint and transport—is often fatal in wild ungulates. Minimize chase time and stress, avoid hot conditions, use appropriate chemical immobilization by a vet, and release/unload quickly. [3]
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. [4]
Legal notes (general info, not legal advice)
General information, not legal advice. USDA APHIS licensing under the Animal Welfare Act applies to dealers and exhibitors; check USDA and your state wildlife and animal-health agencies before buying, moving or selling. [5][6]
Sources
- Exotic Wildlife Association – Endangered Species List (ESA status & CITES appendix)
- Animal Diversity Web (Univ. of Michigan) – Sus scrofa
- Breed et al. 2019, Understanding capture myopathy (Conservation Physiology, PMC6612673)
- IUCN Red List – Sus scrofa (assessment page)
- TPWD Outdoor Annual – Nongame, Exotic & Other Species (exotic status in Texas)
- USDA APHIS – Animal Welfare Act licensing & registration
Figures are taken from the numbered sources; items marked "not verified" could not be confirmed from a primary source and are intentionally left blank. Husbandry guidance is general—confirm with an exotic-animal veterinarian.