Wild Pig

Sus scrofa

Wild Pig Tracks

Natural History of Wild Pigs

Wild pigs are not native animals in most areas. The wild pigs in most regions are descendants of domestic swine brought here by the original homesteaders. Over the years, some of these domestic animals escaped and went wild. Today, their descendants may be found in various locations.

Pigs can grow to 300 pounds or more. They dig for roots and eat acorns and fallen fruit. They also eat nuts, grasses, fruit, small amphibians, eggs, small mammals, and carrion. In the spring, a litter of piglets is born to each sow. There can be a dozen in the litter. The adult males have tusks and can be aggressive. If you encounter a wild pig while hiking, keep your distance.

They are active dawn and dusk and are strong and agile. They move about in family groups and are strong swimmers and fast runners.

These two pig track pictures illustrate track aging. The first picture is a fresh pig track. I took this picture no more than five minutes after the pig left it. The picture on the right is the same track after 38 days. In that time, there had been rain, freezing temperatures, and even snow that stayed on the ground for six days. Even after all that, it is still recognizable as a pig track. This track lasted until the river level came up in a big rainstorm about a week after I took this picture. It would probably still be visible if it hadn't been washed away by high water.

Here's the track maker himself.

Personal Notes on Wild Pigs

I encountered one rather large sow one night as I drove down a dirt road in the horse campground. It heard me coming, but stood still until I was almost upon it. Then, it sauntered across the road and up a hill.

Some of the pig tracks I’ve found have been huge. One I measured was at least four inches long and very deep. The pigs in my area grow quite large!