Feral swine are defined in North Carolina as any free-ranging member of the species Sus scrofa. These animals are not native to North America, having been introduced centuries ago by European explorers as a food source. They are classified as an invasive species, representing one of the most destructive animals on the landscape. Their rapid reproductive rate and lack of natural predators have allowed their population to explode across the state. This expansion presents a significant threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, and public health.
Current Geographic Distribution Across North Carolina
Feral swine have established a widespread presence in North Carolina, documented in approximately 81 to 85 of the state’s 100 counties. They are highly adaptable, inhabiting diverse environments from the mountain ridges to the coastal plain.
High concentrations are generally found in two distinct regions: the southern mountain counties and specific areas within the coastal plain. In the southeast, counties like Johnston, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, and Anson host notable populations. Their expansion often follows major river systems, which provide corridors for movement across the state’s central regions.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) regulates wild boar as a game species only in a handful of mountain counties: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain. In all other counties, the free-ranging animals are legally classified as feral hogs, impacting their management status. They thrive even in suburban areas, with reports coming from counties like Wake and Mecklenburg.
Ecological and Agricultural Damage Caused by Feral Swine
Feral swine cause damage due to their foraging behaviors. Their primary destructive activity is “rooting,” where they use their powerful snouts to overturn soil in search of food. This rooting severely damages agricultural fields, impacting crops such as corn and soy, as well as pastureland and sensitive natural habitats.
In coastal areas, rooting and wallowing activities destabilize stream banks and salt marshes, leading to increased erosion and water contamination. They threaten native wildlife by preying on vulnerable species, including deer fawns and the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds.
Feral swine are carriers of numerous diseases and parasites that pose a risk to domestic livestock, pets, and humans. They can transmit at least 30 different diseases, including pseudorabies, brucellosis, and leptospirosis. This disease risk is a major concern for the state’s commercial swine industry.
Legal Status and Control Efforts
In North Carolina, feral swine are classified as non-game animals, allowing for flexible, year-round removal efforts by private landowners and hunters. On private property, there is no closed season and no bag limit for taking feral swine.
Hunters are permitted to use artificial lights and electronic calls, though a valid hunting license is required unless the individual is exempt as a landowner. Trapping is also a common control method, but strict rules apply. Individuals must obtain a free Feral Swine Trapping Permit from the WRC, and any captured swine must be euthanized while still in the trap.
The most significant legal restriction targets the primary method of their spread: intentional release and transport. North Carolina General Statute § 113-291.12 makes it illegal to remove a live feral swine from a trap, and transporting any live swine without official identification is prohibited. Violations of the transport law can result in a fine of up to $5,000 per animal. State and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Feral Swine Task Force and USDA Wildlife Services, work cooperatively to implement localized eradication programs to mitigate the impact of this invasive species.