Range: The non-native wild pig occurs throughout Florida and in coastal states northward to the Carolinas and westward through Texas. Also in parts of the Western U.S. (Oregon, California, Arizona, Oklahoma) South (Arkansas, Tennessee), Pennsylvania and New England.
Prolific: Feral pigs have a high reproductive rate.
Weighs up to 400 lbs. Tusks curl up and out.
Sign
Tracks: Pigs leave a splayed two-toed track. Toe Pad Marks on Hind Feet Wild pigs and javelina create cloven but splayed deer-like tracks. Pigs often leave small crescent-shaped dewclaw prints outside and behind the main prints.
Colaration: Black to brown, gray or white hair with tail hanging straight down.
Wallows: wet, muddy areas where pigs roll in the mud.
Rubs: pigs will scratch themselves against trees leaving mud and/or broken bark. It is not unusual for several trees (4-inches in diameter or larger) to be used. Rubs will be a few feet off the ground.
Scat is in pellet groups or sausage-like.
Pigs leave very narrow trails.
Collared peccary or Javelina are native pigs inhabiting central Arizona south and eastward through Southern Texas. Weigh 30 to 60 lbs. Grayish to blackish grizzled hair with whitish to yellowish "collar". Hindquarters are small with very small tail. Upper tusks point down. Have disc or irregular shaped scat.
Description: javelina being held Photo Credits: Gary Watters
Three-foot high heavy Mesh (2"x4" welded) wire fences and/or multiple electric wires around gardens and other small areas.
Repellents
None known
Trapping
Cage trapping is effective but requires large traps and a great deal of patience. Pigs have been known to get trap wise. Australians claim "Feralmone" lure is effective in drawing them. However, grain and other easily obtainable baits work as well.
corral traps
foot snares
Shooting
Sport hunting can reduce general populations but raises the problem of creating a demand for this invasive species to be encouraged rather than eliminated.
Photo
Credits: Javelina by William Krupicka Click for larger image.
