Eurasian Boar
Scientific name: Sus scrofa scrofa
New York Status: Invasive
Federal Status: Invasive
On This Page:
Description
Eurasian boars usually appear hairy. Unlike most domestic farm pigs (scientific name: Sus scrofa domestica), Eurasian boars usually have a long straight narrow snout, a long straight tail with a tuft at the end and erect hairy ears. Some have a "mane" of hair that stands up along ridge of their back ("razorback"). Most have large, prominent tusks.
Color: They are most often dark black or brown, often grizzled with gray. Piglets are lighter in color with brown and tan stripes. The stripes disappear as they get older and darker in color.
View the Eurasian Boar Fact Sheet (PDF).
Life History
Eurasian boars are highly adaptable and prolific. If weather is good and food is plentiful, Eurasian boars can breed as early as 6 months of age. They can breed several times a year and their litter size can range from 2-8, although litters as large as 10-12 have been reported. A Eurasian boar population can double in one year.
Management
Eurasian boar are native to Europe and Asia. Also known as Russian boar, wild boar, wild hog, razorback, or feral swine, invasive Eurasian boar represent a great threat to New York. Eurasian boars are a highly-adaptable and destructive invasive species that damage habitat and crops, as well as threaten native wildlife and domestic livestock. DEC and the United States Department of Agriculture have worked hard to eradicate these animals from the state's landscape. We are now working to prevent their reintroduction into New York.
- It is illegal to possess, sell, distribute, trade, or transport Eurasian boars or their hybrids.
- It is illegal to import, breed, or release Eurasian boars or their hybrids.
- It is illegal to hunt, trap, or take Eurasian boars or their hybrids.
Take Action
Although DEC's eradication efforts have been very successful to date, we must remain vigilant. If you see Eurasian boars, please report them to the nearest DEC regional wildlife office or e-mail us. Since it is sometimes difficult to distinguish a domestic pig, pot belly pig, or Eurasian boar based solely on a description, reporting of all free roaming swine is encouraged. Please report the number of animals seen, whether any of them were piglets, the date, and the exact location (county, town, distance and direction from an intersection, nearest landmark, etc.). Photographs are greatly appreciated as they help us determine if it is a Eurasian boar, so please try and get a picture and include it with your report.
