Feral Swine
(Sus scrofa)
*Established in Michigan*
PROHIBITED IN MICHIGAN
Report this species to:
USDA Wildlife Services: 517-336-1928
If possible, please take one or more photos of the invasive species you are reporting. Also make note of the location, date and time of the observation. This will aid in verification of your report. You may be asked to provide your name and contact information if follow-up is needed.
- Or - use the DNR's online reporting form.
General questions on feral swine can be directed to Greg Norwood, Invasive Species Coordinator, DNR Wildlife Division norwoodg@michigan.gov 517-342-4514.
Identification:
- Most often brown or black and appear hairy
- Piglets are lighter in color and often have stripes
- Long, straight, narrow snout relative to domestic pigs
- Straight tail with a tuft at the end
Photo Illustration Showing the Characteristics of Prohibited Swine 
Vladimir Dinets, University of Miami, Bugwood.org - feral swine piglets
Billy Higginbotham Texas Agri Life Extension Service Bugwood.org - damage left by feral swine
Habitat: Commonly found in rural areas, but are adapting to suburban areas. Feral swine are land mammals that use water and dig wallows to regulate body temperature.
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Diet: Feral swine are opportunistic omnivores; they eat what they can when they can. Dietary items include crops, bird and reptile eggs, fawns and young of domestic livestock, tree seeds and seedlings, nuts, roots, and tubers.
Local Concern: Feral swine can be aggressive toward humans and can transmit several serious diseases. Feeding habits put feral swine in direct competition for resources with deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, and waterfowl. Additionally, swine use their sharp tusks to root for food and wallow in the dirt. These two activities destroy crops and native vegetation, negatively affect water quality, and can cause erosion.
Means of Introduction: Intentional release, escape from domestication
Other Names: Eurasian boar, Russian boar, wild boar, wild hog, razorback
MORE INFORMATION:
Feral Swine Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF
For more information on feral swine, please visit www.michigan.gov/feralswine.