Pinnacles National Park Wild Pigs

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa ) were first observed at Pinnacles National park in the late 1960s. In 1769, Spanish explorers introduced domestic swine to California as a food source and to clear land. Allowed to roam freely, these domesticated pigs inhabited various parts of California as feral or wild hogs. The European wild boar was imported to Monterey County in 1925 for hunting purposes, and has successfully interbred with feral hogs already established. These hybrids have spread throughout much of California, both naturally and with the aid of hunters and landowners. The wild pigs that have invaded Pinnacles are a combination of European wild boars, feral hogs, and hybrids of the boar and hog. Wild pigs are not native to California. They are considered exotic species.

Wild pigs consume an abundance of plant matter including acorns, grasses, forbs, berries, roots, and bulbs. They also feed on ground dwelling insects, worms, reptiles, amphibians, fish, small mammals, and carrion including other pigs. Wild pigs spend much of their time rooting or digging with their noses in search of these food items.

Pigs tend to prefer cooler more shaded areas, do not tolerate heat well, and must have a constant water supply in order to survive. They are primarily nocturnal in the hotter months and prefer oak woodlands along streams and chaparral habitat. Here they forage for food, wallow in mud and water, and seek shelter from the sun.

Wild pigs have a high reproductive rate. If there is a sufficient supply of food to accommodate a sow, she can have two litters a year. Litters range from 4-14 piglets. Pigs can adapt to harsh environments and have few natural predators, making them difficult to control.

Wild Pig Impacts

Because wild pigs are not native to Pinnacles National park, their behavior alters the natural processes that occur in the park. This behavior has been shown to have a negative impact on the plants, animals, and soil.

Plants

Rooting by pigs disturbs natural plant communities by destroying native species. The soil is uplifted by this rooting behavior, causing it to dry in the heat of summer. Plants have to work harder to find water and their chances for survival are decreased. Areas that once had native plants become susceptible to the establishment of exotic plants. These exotic species compete with native plants for available space, ultimately compromising the natural order of the plant community. Pigs also consume large amounts of fruits, nuts, and seeds, which decreases the ability of new plants to germinate.

Wildlife

Pigs compete with deer and other wildlife for acorns, insects, and other food sources. Pigs also prey on a number of animals and insects, directly threatening their survival. Besides competing with and preying upon animals, wild pigs have the potential to infect animals, as well as humans with a number of diseases and parasites. Rooting behavior also adversely affects the habitat of ground dwelling animals such as amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and ground nesting birds.

Soil Erosion

Pig rooting significantly increases the rate of erosion. Pigs root near stream banks causing the soil to loosen and wash away during rains. When soils wash into streams and creeks the water quality is decreased. Poor water quality has a negative impact on many aquatic animals including the threatened California red-legged frog.

Management of Wild Pigs

The National Park Service has a policy of conserving, protecting, and restoring native plants and animals. Park managers at Pinnacles National park are required to control or eradicate non-native species that have a negative impact on its resources. In 1984, the park staff had considerable concerns about the increasing number of wild pigs and the destruction they were causing to the park. After several years of research and testing, the park decided to construct a fence around the perimeter that would prevent pigs from invading the park.

The fence is designed to prevent pigs from rooting underneath, while allowing animals of various sizes to pass through, or jump over. Upon completion, the fence will surround more than 14,000 acres of parkland and stretch a distance of about thirty-two miles. Initiated in 1986, with roughly one-and-one-half miles remaining, the fence will be completed in the fall of 2003. Once the fence is fully erected, pigs will no longer be able to move into the park. Pinnacles staff will regularly patrol the fence to ensure that pigs do not breach the boundary, and make any necessary repairs if the fence is disturbed due to natural and/or unforeseen circumstances. Pigs that exist inside the park will not be able to move to areas outside park boundaries, and will therefore have to be removed. Staff will monitor the park for any signs of pig disturbance and focus removal efforts in these areas. Complete removal of pigs from the park is the goal of Pinnacles National park. The unique and wondrous diversity of flora and fauna that has evolved here depends upon this goal.