Home range, reproduction & activity periods
Feral hog home ranges can vary from 0.4 to 19 square miles and they have been known to travel up to 15 miles. Availability of water and food are probably the two most important factors determining home ranges, thus fall and winter ranges are likely to be larger than spring and summer ranges. Males generally have a larger home range than females, especially during breeding season. Boars usually travel and feed by themselves unless they are with a receptive sow. Groups of hogs generally consist of sows and their young.

Feral hogs are fairly prolific reproducers, having as many as two litters per year, with each litter consisting of four to ten young. Good habitat and weather conditions allow production of the most young with peak numbers of young born in late winter to early spring. The gestation period is about 115 days and litters consist of a 1:1 male to female sex ratio.

Feral hogs can be active just about any time of the day depending on the season and food availability. Hot summer temperatures make them nocturnal (active at night) to avoid excessive heat. During cooler months hogs are active primarily in early morning and late evening. Scarcity of food and poor habitat may cause them to extend their active hours regardless of the season. Hunting pressure or other harassment may also cause them to shift their activity periods and maybe even their home ranges for a short period of time.