Wild pigs are present in Michigan and are classified as an invasive species. These animals, also known as feral swine or Eurasian wild boar, pose a significant threat to Michigan’s natural environments, agricultural lands, and public health. The state of Michigan actively works to eradicate these destructive animals.
Identifying Wild Pigs
Wild pigs possess distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them from domestic swine. They typically have coarse, bristly hair, often dark, ranging from black to reddish-brown. Wild boars feature longer, narrower snouts and leaner bodies compared to domestic pigs.
Male wild pigs, or boars, develop prominent tusks. Adults generally weigh 75-250 pounds, though some exceed 300 pounds, reaching up to 3 feet in height and 5 feet in length. Unlike domestic pigs, wild pigs typically have straight tails. Piglets can be striped or spotted, a coloration that fades as they mature.
Where Wild Pigs Are Found and Their Impact
Wild pigs have been detected in many Michigan counties, with sightings in 70 to 75 of the 83. While not widespread, they are often found in rural and agricultural areas, forests, farmlands, and wetlands. Their elusive, nocturnal habits make them difficult to track, but signs of their activity are visible.
These invasive animals cause substantial damage across various sectors. In agriculture, they root up and consume crops such as corn, soybeans, and pumpkins, leading to significant financial losses for farmers. Their rooting also damages pastures and contaminates water sources.
Beyond agriculture, wild pigs inflict considerable ecological harm. Their destructive rooting activities destroy native vegetation, disrupt soil composition, and reduce plant biodiversity. They also compete with native wildlife for food resources and prey on ground-nesting birds, reptiles, amphibians, and young mammals.
Wild pigs are carriers of numerous diseases, posing risks to livestock and humans. They can transmit over 30 different diseases, including pseudorabies, swine brucellosis, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, E. coli, influenza A, and foot-and-mouth disease. Transmission of these diseases to domestic swine populations is a major concern for Michigan’s pork industry. While human transmission is rare, it can occur through bites, handling carcasses, or consuming improperly cooked meat. Wild pigs can also exhibit aggressive and territorial behavior, especially if cornered, presenting a safety concern for humans and pets.
Michigan’s Management and Reporting Efforts
Michigan’s strategy for addressing wild pig populations focuses on eradication due to their invasive nature and the extensive damage they cause. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) declared feral swine an invasive species in 2011, banning their possession. Control efforts primarily involve surveillance, trapping, and targeted removal by authorized personnel from the DNR and USDA Wildlife Services. These agencies often use methods such as “Judas pigs,” which are collared pigs released to lead authorities to other wild pig groups for removal.
Hunting wild pigs by the general public is restricted or discouraged, as uncontrolled hunting can scatter populations and make eradication efforts more challenging. Wild pigs are not considered a game species in Michigan. However, the state allows landowners to shoot wild swine on their property without a hunting license, and hunters with a valid license may shoot them if encountered. The primary emphasis remains on a coordinated eradication approach.
Citizen reporting is crucial for tracking and controlling wild pig populations. If you see a wild pig or signs of their activity, such as extensive rooting or tracks, report it immediately. Contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or USDA Wildlife Services is recommended. This information helps authorities monitor their presence and deploy targeted control measures.