Oklahoma-Texas Feral Hog Distribution: Darker areas = Denser Population. Click map for a larger version.

Current Status
Today, there are areas in the U.S. where the pure Russian wild boar (native toEuropean and Asian continents) can still be found due to importation for sporthunting. However, most feral hogs are from domesticated swine. Feral hogs arein fact wild but are not a different species than domestic hogs or Russian boars.Webster's dictionary defines feral as: having escaped from domestication andbecome wild. Hence, all feral hogs in the U.S. up until the 1930's were fromdomestic stock. In a few areas where the Russian boar was imported for sporthunting, escapes have occurred resulting in feral/Russian crossbreeding.

The feral hog has been very successful in expanding its range and increasing its numbers. Its success can be attributed to several factors: free ranging method of husbandry; its introduction and reintroduction by hunters; water development in arid areas; improved range condition through better livestock grazing practices; and its ability to reproduce quite rapidly. Feral hog populations have also benefited from increased disease control in the domestic livestock industry.