Wild boars, also known as feral swine, are indeed present in Ohio. These non-native animals pose significant challenges to the state’s natural landscapes and agricultural sector. Their presence has led to ongoing efforts by state and federal agencies to manage and control their populations across various regions.
Confirming Their Presence in Ohio
Feral swine are established in Ohio, with verified breeding populations concentrated primarily in the unglaciated region of the southeastern part of the state. Counties such as Adams, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Scioto, and Vinton have confirmed breeding populations. While some counties have seen successful removal efforts, these animals can appear sporadically due to illegal releases.
Estimates of their numbers in Ohio have varied. A reported 500 to 1,000 wild hogs were present in 2010, with 2023 data indicating around 2,000 across the state. Adult feral swine in Ohio weigh between 125 and 200 pounds, though larger individuals up to 350 pounds have been observed.
The Story of Their Arrival and Spread
Feral swine are not native to North America, being a hybrid of Eurasian wild boar and escaped domestic swine. Their introduction to the United States dates back to the 1500s with early explorers, growing from escaped livestock. In Ohio, initial unconfirmed sightings were reported to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in the 1980s, primarily in Vinton County.
Their spread has been fueled by escapes from private hunting preserves and intentional, illicit releases for hunting. These animals are highly adaptable and reproduce rapidly, reaching sexual maturity as early as six months. Females can produce up to two litters per year, with an average of four to six piglets per litter.
The Ecological and Agricultural Impact
Feral swine cause extensive damage to natural environments and agricultural operations. Their destructive rooting behavior, digging for food, can churn soil up to three feet deep, damaging crops, pastures, and forests. This activity leads to soil erosion and can harm water quality through silt deposition and bacterial contamination when they wallow.
These animals also pose a threat as carriers of diseases and parasites, potentially transmitting at least 30 viral and bacterial diseases and nearly 40 parasites. In Ohio, swine brucellosis and pseudorabies are concerning, as they can be lethal to domestic livestock and wildlife. While African Swine Fever has not been detected in the U.S., its introduction could devastate the commercial pork industry.
Ohio’s Response and Management
Ohio state agencies, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services, are actively working to manage feral swine populations. Their goal is eradication, utilizing methods such as trapping and targeted removal through sharpshooting. These efforts have reduced the numbers and distribution of feral swine in certain areas.
Recent legislative efforts, such as House Bill 503, aim to strengthen control measures. This bill prohibits the importation, possession, and release of live feral swine. It also makes feeding feral swine illegal and allows landowners to kill them on their property without a hunting license, provided they report the incident. Landowners and the public are encouraged to report sightings to the ODNR Division of Wildlife or USDA Wildlife Services to aid management efforts.