Feral swine, also referred to as wild pigs, wild boar, and feral hogs, can look similar to domestic hogs, but are generally thinner with thicker hides of coarse, bristly hair and have longer tusks.
Because they can be descendants of wild boar, domestic pigs, or hybrids of the two, feral swine can vary in color and coat pattern. Piglets are often striped or spotted but lose this coloration as they mature. Adult feral swine weigh between 75 and 250 pounds (35 and 110 kilograms) on average but some can get twice as large and reach 3 feet (91 cm) in height and 5 feet (150 cm) in length.
Feral swine can be confused with collared peccary (javelina), a native pig-like mammal of the southwestern United States; however, collared peccary are generally much smaller (15-25 lbs. or 7-11 kg) than feral swine (75-250 lbs. or 35-110 kilograms). The collared peccary is also silver-grey to black, with a distinct lighter-colored collar.
Although feral swine tracks look similar to deer tracks, they have blunter-tipped toes; therefore, they are square rather than the pointed, heart-shaped tracks of deer.
Remember, healthy wild pigs are evasive and will not tolerate being approached by humans. If a pig appears dead, lethargic, approachable, or is otherwise acting abnormally, it may be sick with an infectious disease.
Feral swine are usually active at night and not often seen during the daylight hours, particularly in hot, humid climates. It may be easier to identify feral swine in your area by looking for signs of damage.
