Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Department of Agriculture

Feral Hogs

Free-ranging populations of feral swine (also called feral hogs and wild pigs) in the United States are located in at least 35 States. Some experts estimate their numbers at over 5 million, with the largest populations located in California, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas. This species causes extensive damage and disease threats to public property, native ecosystems, livestock health, and human health. Feral swine populations will continue to spread across the country as a result of natural range expansion, illegal trapping and movement by people, and accidental releases or escapes from domestic swine operations.

The expanding populations of feral swine are a significant concern to farmers, livestock producers, natural resource managers, and animal health officials. However, feral swine issues are not limited to natural areas and rural environments. Feral swine are highly adaptable and are becoming more common in suburban areas, rooting up lawns, gardens, golf courses, and city parks.