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WHAT ARE FERAL SWINE?
Feral swine are an invasive and non-native species found in the United States and Canada. They have escaped or been intentionally released, leading to the establishment of free-ranging populations. These pigs are prolific breeders, producing four to eight piglets per litter and multiple litters per year. Feral swine are adaptable but prefer habitats with abundant water and dense cover. They pose serious threats to the environment, economy, and health.
The Russian and European boar are traditional species of feral swine in the US, brought from Europe and Asia. Both these species and their hybrids are prohibited in Montana under the Administrative Rules of Montana. Domestic swine can also become feral in a few generations, so Montana's definition of feral swine does not rely on genetics. Instead, any untamed, undomesticated, or wild-looking hog, boar, or pig is considered feral in Montana, including those kept for commercial hunting or trapping.
WHY IS HUNTING FERAL SWINE FOR SPORT PROHIBITED IN MONTANA?
The 2015 Legislature passed a bill banning the hunting of feral swine based on the following facts:
- A group of feral swine is called a sounder. If a sounder is detected and not all of the sounder is killed, animals that escape can disperse further on the landscape and learn behaviors to help them evade further attempts at hunting.
- Feral swine are prolific breeders. Failed attempts to kill an entire sounder can lead to exponential growth of feral swine numbers. Such growth has been documented in states and provinces that allow recreational hunting.
- Experts in other states and Canadian provinces attribute the severity of their feral swine issues to recreational hunting. Once a hunting constituency becomes established, eradication becomes nearly impossible.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE A FERAL SWINE?
Report sightings to the Montana Department of Livestock hotline at 406-444-2976.
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