| Wild Boar, Sus scrofa |
| Family | Hog (Suidae) | Size | 120-180cm L 90cm H at shoulder 140 pounds |
| Breeding | 2-3 cycles per year. 8-12 piglets. | Food | Grass, nuts, berries, carrion, roots, tubers, refuse, insects, etc. |
| Habitat | Forested areas | ||
Wild boar or wild pigs are not native to California. They were introduced and have become an invasive and problematic species. It is believed that the local animals have crossbred with escaped domestic pigs. Some have the imposing continuously growing tusks expected on a wild boar while some do not. Wild boars can vary enormously in size. Large animals have been known to reach near 400 pounds while 140 pounds is more typical. While not normally particularly dangerous, the sheer size of these animals and their skittishness can make them so. If they feel threatened, they tend to panic and will sometimes charge. A several hundred pound animal can do a lot of damage. Its always best to give these animals a lot of space. When camping, its also best to keep food well away from camp sites as many wild boar will seek out an easy meal. While adult boar can be intimidating and are not terribly attractive, it is difficult to say that the piglets are anything but adorable. They are a soft fuzzy brown with alternating stripes that make them look rather like small watermelons. Beware though. A sow with piglets can be particularly dangerous. Do not approach. If possible, its best to leave the area. Wild boar are typically noctural although you may see them during the day as well. You may also see sign of wild boar. In addition to tracks, you may notice caked mud on the first 1-2 feet of oak trees. The boar seem to enjoy vigorously rubbing themselves on the rough bark of these trees. You can easily tell favorite trees by the thick layer of mud caked on it. You will also sometimes see large areas of dirt overturned by wild boar. Known unaffectionately as "Nature's Rototillers," wild boar will often dig up large areas of ground foraging for roots and tubers underground, destroying native plant habitats. Additionally, wild boar knock over young oak trees to access the acorns. Wild boar are significantly altering the landscape since their introduction believed to be less than 100 years ago in a misguided effort to provide more exciting hunting game. There are programs in place to trap the animals but their reproduction rate is difficult to keep pace with (8-12 piglets per cycle, 2-3 cycles per year). They have few natural predators. |
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