Wild boars, also known as wild swine or Eurasian wild pigs, are adaptable mammals found across much of Eurasia and North Africa, with populations also introduced in the Americas and Oceania. Their physical characteristics, particularly their size, often spark curiosity.
Typical Dimensions
Adult wild boars exhibit a range of sizes, generally varying by region and sex. Males are typically larger than females, often being 5-10% larger and 20-30% heavier. In most of Europe, male wild boars usually weigh between 75 to 100 kilograms (165-220 pounds), stand 75-80 centimeters (30-31 inches) at the shoulder, and measure around 150 centimeters (59 inches) in body length. Females in these areas typically weigh 60 to 80 kilograms (130-180 pounds), with a shoulder height of about 70 centimeters (28 inches) and a body length of 140 centimeters (55 inches).
However, in more productive regions of Eastern Europe, males can average 110-130 kilograms (240-290 pounds), reaching 95 centimeters (37 inches) in shoulder height and 160 centimeters (63 inches) in body length. Females there may weigh 95 kilograms (209 pounds), stand 85-90 centimeters (33-35 inches) at the shoulder, and measure 145 centimeters (57 inches) in length. In the Mediterranean regions, average weights can be lower, with males around 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and females 45 kilograms (99 pounds). Feral swine in the United States, often hybrids, typically weigh between 50 to 300 pounds, though larger individuals occur.
Factors Influencing Size
Several biological and environmental elements contribute to the variability observed in wild boar size. Age plays a significant role, as individuals continue to grow until they reach full maturity, typically around 2 to 3 years old.
The quality and availability of food are primary determinants of growth, with abundant resources and a high-quality diet leading to larger animals. Wild boars are omnivores, and their diet can vary seasonally and regionally, impacting their body weight and fat reserves. For instance, access to agricultural crops can significantly increase body weight compared to solely forest-dwelling populations.
Habitat conditions, such as the presence of dense vegetation for shelter and proximity to water sources, also support better growth by providing suitable living conditions. Furthermore, genetic factors and subspecies variations contribute to size differences across geographic ranges. Some subspecies are naturally predisposed to be larger than others. For example, Ussuri boars and Carpathian boars are known for their potential to reach considerable sizes. Climatic conditions, including severe winters or arid summers, can also limit growth by affecting food availability and energy expenditure.
Record Measurements
While typical wild boars reach substantial sizes, some individuals grow exceptionally large, becoming notable for their record-breaking dimensions. These are rare occurrences, representing the upper limits of how big a wild boar can get.
One such widely publicized case involved “Hogzilla,” a wild pig from Georgia, which was estimated by experts to be around 800 pounds and 8 feet long after initial exaggerated claims. Its tusks measured over 18 inches, setting a record for North American wild boars.
Other documented large wild boars include a 733.5-pound hog taken in California, considered one of the heaviest reliably confirmed free-ranging wild boars in the state. Another impressive specimen from North Carolina weighed 707 pounds and measured 7 feet, 4 inches long.
In Northeastern Asia, large Ussuri boars have been reported to weigh up to 270 kilograms (600 pounds), with some historical accounts even mentioning individuals reaching 300-350 kilograms (660-770 pounds) and 125 centimeters (49 inches) in shoulder height. There are also reports of wild boars reaching or exceeding 800 pounds in various regions, including a claimed 1,100-pound hog in Georgia.