Feral hogs have become one of the most prevalent invasive species in the United States since the U.S. Department of Agriculture established a damage management program in 2014.
While the feral hog population has grown rapidly across the country, Wisconsin residents aren’t likely to find “30-50 feral hogs” barreling across the state any time soon.
But vigilance is key to managing any invasive species, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has intentionally loose rules to cull any feral hogs that find their way to the Midwest.
Does Wisconsin have any populations of feral hogs?
No. USDA mapping does not have any reports of feral pigs embedded into any Wisconsin counties as of April 2026.
The last time feral swine had a prevalence in the state was in 2017, and it was contained to Crawford County in southwest Wisconsin.
The only other time feral swine established populations in Wisconsin was in 2004. USDA data shows four Wisconsin counties had significant feral swine populations that year: Clark, Crawford, Eau Clair and Jackson.
“We get the occasional sighting here or there, but most calls we get are usually domestic pigs that have escaped,” Wisconsin DNR wildlife program specialist Marcus Rufledt said.
Is it legal to kill feral hogs in Wisconsin?
Yes, and you need only a small game license to do so. Landowners are allowed to shoot feral pigs on their property regardless of whether they have a hunting license. However, it is the hunter’s responsibility to determine whether a pig is feral or domestic.
Wisconsin’s invasive species laws classify feral swine as “harmful wild animals” and prohibit any resident from keeping them.
“The overwhelming majority of feral pig reports received by the Wisconsin DNR or USDA-Wildlife Services in Wisconsin are unverified – poor or no evidence – misidentifications, or escaped domestic animals,” Rufledt said
So, while it’s technically perpetual open season on feral pigs, the DNR does not encourage or reward hunting the animals. The DNR reported that mass hunts can cause remaining feral pigs to become more aware of humans and make others more difficult to hunt.
Any sightings or kills should be reported to the USDA’s wildlife services department. Wildlife services can be reached at 920-324-4514 in southern Wisconsin and 715-369-5221 in northern Wisconsin.
After a report is filed, the USDA and DNR determine the validity of the report and create a plan with conservation wardens to eradicate the pig if it is deemed feral or a serious concern.
Rufledt said if a pig is harvested, the USDA takes a tissue sample, usually an ear clipping, and conducts genetic analysis to determine lineage and its potential source state.
What’s the difference between domestic pigs and feral hogs?
Legally, any pig that is not in an enclosure for seven days is considered a wild swine, regardless of other characteristics.
Feral swine, though, are usually larger, scruffier and more aggressive than domesticated pigs. They usually cover a home base of 10 square miles and nest in dense vegetation.
Feral pigs have long, flexible, tough and flat snouts. Their ears usually point up but can sometimes flop outward. Unlike domestic pigs, feral pigs’ tails do not coil and their hooves are more cloven.
Male feral pigs, also known as boars, have four tusks that can become long and sharp. The average boar weighs 130 pounds, but trophy boar have measured more than 500 pounds.
Why are feral pigs a problem?
Feral swine can produce multiple litters a year and don’t have a single mating season. Sows can begin reproduction at 6 months old, produce four litters per year and birth four to 12 piglets per litter.
That means overpopulation can get out of hand fast. And beyond that, feral swine are destructive, disease-carrying animals.
Feral pigs can easily destroy crops and agricultural infrastructure. When they muddy wetlands with trampling, they create algae blooms, destroy vegetation and lower water quality. Pigs also dig for roots and will destroy river banks in search of food.
USDA wildlife biologist Dennis Peloquin said that should a transmittible swine disease like African swine fever reach the United States, feral swine could move the disease around at an uncontrollable pace before the disease affects pork farms.
“There’s been great effort in the Crawford County area to eradicate feral swine and in southern Missouri as well,” Peloquin said. “The main concern would be a rapid spread from Texas and Oklahoma, but that’s an extreme case we would be able to monitor.”
Feral pigs are already noted for spreading parasites, pseudorabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis among livestock.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Should you worry about feral hogs in Wisconsin? What experts say
Reporting by Caden Perry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Caden Perry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
