The Population Of Wild Pigs In South Carolina Is Out Of Control

Just when we’re getting used to the idea of alligators creeping up onto front porches here in South Carolina, there’s more to contend with. It seems pigs have arrived and the numbers are not pretty! In fact, wild pigs in South Carolina are on the rise and you’ll probably want to keep an eye out for them. While bears climbing up on back decks to empty bird feeders is certainly alarming, the idea of wild pigs might be even worse! Of course, if coyotes making themselves at home if you leave your door open scares you, buckle up!

First, the numbers.

Raimund Linke / The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images Population estimates of the wild hog population in South Carolina currently range from 140,000 to 150,000. Unfortunately, that number keeps growing.

The wild hog, or pig, is really just a much larger version of its farm-raised cousin. And, feral or wild pigs can grow up to five feet in length. Additionally, males weigh an average of 200 pounds, while females weigh an average of 175 pounds. These things are big!

nedomackiv / iStock / Getty Image Plus Collection via Getty Images

Wild pigs are extremely versatile easily adapting to most environments. This map shows the 2017 distribution of wild pigs in South Carolina - leaving no county untouched.

SCDNR Annually, they’re responsible for around $115 million in damages to crops and non-crops. And that’s just in South Carolina, alone.

The problem began quite some time ago. In fact, back in 2009, a farmer in Abbeville County reported losing one-third of his 100-acres of crops to wild pig damages.

passion4nature / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images They’re known to eat just about anything and crops are easy picking. Surprisingly, they also play the role of predator when it comes to livestock. Goats, newborn cattle, lambs, and chicken are often lost to wild pigs running the land.

But crops and livestock aren’t the only damage the wild pig population inflicts.

Wikipedia/NOAA Photo Library - nerr0315 They often damage people’s yards, flower beds, landscape, and more. Additionally, they disrupt the nests of loggerhead sea turtles, particularly in the Winyah Bay area pictured here.

The female wild pig can give birth multiple times per year. And, she can birth up to 16 pigs with each delivery!

Manuel ROMARIS / Moment Collection via Getty Images She will usually wean the offspring at about 21 days and then will advance back into another heat approximately 26-28 days after giving birth. With this quickly advancing cycle, it’s easy to see why it’s so difficult for the state to keep up with culling the population spread of wild pigs in South Carolina.

At the moment, the most effective way to combat the population gains of the wild pigs living in South Carolina is through humans hunting them.

JMrocek / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images The state places no restriction on hunting season, nor a bag limit on wild pigs that are hunted on private lands in the Palmetto State. The most recent numbers for harvested pigs in South Carolina are from 2009 when the state recorded a pig population reduction of 36,888 pigs.

Did you have any idea how out of hand the wild pig population is in South Carolina? More importantly, ever see one of these in the wild? How about in your own backyard? Weigh in with a comment in our Facebook thread!

Raimund Linke / The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images

Population estimates of the wild hog population in South Carolina currently range from 140,000 to 150,000. Unfortunately, that number keeps growing.

nedomackiv / iStock / Getty Image Plus Collection via Getty Images

SCDNR

Annually, they’re responsible for around $115 million in damages to crops and non-crops. And that’s just in South Carolina, alone.

passion4nature / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

They’re known to eat just about anything and crops are easy picking. Surprisingly, they also play the role of predator when it comes to livestock. Goats, newborn cattle, lambs, and chicken are often lost to wild pigs running the land.

Wikipedia/NOAA Photo Library - nerr0315

They often damage people’s yards, flower beds, landscape, and more. Additionally, they disrupt the nests of loggerhead sea turtles, particularly in the Winyah Bay area pictured here.

Manuel ROMARIS / Moment Collection via Getty Images

She will usually wean the offspring at about 21 days and then will advance back into another heat approximately 26-28 days after giving birth. With this quickly advancing cycle, it’s easy to see why it’s so difficult for the state to keep up with culling the population spread of wild pigs in South Carolina.

JMrocek / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

The state places no restriction on hunting season, nor a bag limit on wild pigs that are hunted on private lands in the Palmetto State. The most recent numbers for harvested pigs in South Carolina are from 2009 when the state recorded a pig population reduction of 36,888 pigs.

For another creature that’s rapidly spreading across the state, keep reading: More And More Armadillos Are Being Spotted Throughout South Carolina And Here’s What You Should Know.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Nature in South Carolina December 30, 2022 Michelle S. Wild pigs aside, exploring the natural wonders of South Carolina is a great way to enjoy the state. Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina? You should visit every state park in South Carolina! While that might not be possible, there are a few you can put on your bucket list to start with. Caesars Head State Park, the largest state park in the state, is a great option for those looking to get outside. If offers 7,467 acres of beauty. The South Carolina Sandhills in Cheraw State Park are a unique natural feature of the state, making it a must-visit. Despite being hugely popular, Hunting Island State Park offers peace and quite making it another you simply must see. These are all great options, but there are plenty of others you’ll want to add to you bucket list! What are the best beaches in South Carolina? The best beaches in South Carolina offer beauty, fun and lots of fresh air. Some of our favorites include:

Boneyard Beach on Bull Island Driftwood Beach (a.k.a. Botany Bay Beach) Edisto Beach, which includes an entire town to explore! Atlantic Beach, one of the smallest beach towns you’ll ever see!

Nothing beats a day at the beach, but waking up in the sand to the sound of crashing waves is something extra-special. Fortunately there are lots of spots where you can camp on the beach in South Carolina. What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina? The most beautiful lakes in South Carolina can be found in all corners of the state. Some of the most notable include:

Lake Jocassee in Oconee and Pickens Counties Lake Tugalo (a.k.a. Tugaloo Lake) in Oconee County Richardson’s Lake Water Park and Outdoor Recreation Area in Warrenville Pinnacle Lake in Pickens Lake Keowee in Oconee County

The OIYS Visitor Center

Nature in South Carolina

December 30, 2022

Michelle S.

Wild pigs aside, exploring the natural wonders of South Carolina is a great way to enjoy the state. Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina? You should visit every state park in South Carolina! While that might not be possible, there are a few you can put on your bucket list to start with. Caesars Head State Park, the largest state park in the state, is a great option for those looking to get outside. If offers 7,467 acres of beauty. The South Carolina Sandhills in Cheraw State Park are a unique natural feature of the state, making it a must-visit. Despite being hugely popular, Hunting Island State Park offers peace and quite making it another you simply must see. These are all great options, but there are plenty of others you’ll want to add to you bucket list! What are the best beaches in South Carolina? The best beaches in South Carolina offer beauty, fun and lots of fresh air. Some of our favorites include:

Boneyard Beach on Bull Island Driftwood Beach (a.k.a. Botany Bay Beach) Edisto Beach, which includes an entire town to explore! Atlantic Beach, one of the smallest beach towns you’ll ever see!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina?

You should visit every state park in South Carolina! While that might not be possible, there are a few you can put on your bucket list to start with. Caesars Head State Park, the largest state park in the state, is a great option for those looking to get outside. If offers 7,467 acres of beauty. The South Carolina Sandhills in Cheraw State Park are a unique natural feature of the state, making it a must-visit. Despite being hugely popular, Hunting Island State Park offers peace and quite making it another you simply must see. These are all great options, but there are plenty of others you’ll want to add to you bucket list!

What are the best beaches in South Carolina?

The best beaches in South Carolina offer beauty, fun and lots of fresh air. Some of our favorites include:

Boneyard Beach on Bull Island
Driftwood Beach (a.k.a. Botany Bay Beach)
Edisto Beach, which includes an entire town to explore!
Atlantic Beach, one of the smallest beach towns you’ll ever see!

What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina?

The most beautiful lakes in South Carolina can be found in all corners of the state. Some of the most notable include:

Lake Jocassee in Oconee and Pickens Counties
Lake Tugalo (a.k.a. Tugaloo Lake) in Oconee County
Richardson’s Lake Water Park and Outdoor Recreation Area in Warrenville
Pinnacle Lake in Pickens
Lake Keowee in Oconee County