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| Distribution |
In NC, it was introduced to a handful of sites in the southern mountains, for hunting purposes, and some escaped from a private hunting preserve around 1920 in Graham County. Also widespread over much of the Coastal Plain, mostly in larger floodplains (at least in the Cape Fear and the Neuse). Scarce over most of the Piedmont and the northern mountains. The range map (below) is presumably quite incomplete, though all iNaturalist website photos have been included (as of early 2022). It is presumed to be more widely present in the Coastal Plain, though the Piedmont and mountain portions might be somewhat more realistic -- scarce in the northern and central portions of those provinces.
An introduced species, found at scattered areas over the United States, mainly in the Coastal Plain from VA to TX, and in CA. |
| Abundance |
Locally common to very common, and a major pest, along several Coastal Plain floodplains, less numerous in upland areas. Locally common also in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and some other areas in the southwestern mountains. Thankfully rare over the remainder of the state. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Active year-round. |
| Habitat |
Most numerous and widespread in rich, moist habitats, especially bottomlands, less so in swamps. Also numerous in the mountains in rich forested habitats, such as cove forests and northern hardwood forests. They often move downslope to lower elevation habitats in winter. |
| Behavior |
The Wild Boar is most active at night, but they can often be seen during the day, especially in winter. They feed by rummaging in the soil, often turning up moist or rich soil areas, looking for roots and tubers, though they feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material. They often occur in small packs, up to six or more individuals; these are mainly females and young. |
| Comments |
As is true for most non-native species, the Wild Boar is a major pest, as it not only competes with native species for food, but it also tears up the native herb layer in many places, especially in natural areas, as it often favors such highly diverse sites. Thankfully, efforts are being made to trap and kill these animals, and it is a game animal. Populations in the state are descended from two types: 1) domestic hogs that have gone feral, and 2) wild pigs, typically referred to as European or Russian boar, imported to hunting preserves (Webster et al., 1985). |
| Origin |
Introduced |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
SE |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
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| other_comName |
Feral Hog, Feral Pig, Wild Pig |
| synonym |
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