Folklore, Sightings, and Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Stories:
If you’ve lived in Pennsylvania long enough, you know our wildlife stories are never boring. From coyotes to bobcats to bigfoot and ghost stories and then to the wandering black bear, we are used to these surprises.
Where Feral Hogs Are Appearing:
So far, about 23 counties in Pennsylvania have reported sightings of wild swine/pigs/hogs/boars. The only known areas of a confirmed breeding population are Bedford and Fulton counties.
Pennsylvania is not the only state to deal with feral hogs, but the concern is growing. They destroy crops and pastureland, rip up forest habitat used by deer, turkey, and small mammals, Spread disease to livestock and wildlife, reproduce quickly (a sow can have multiple litters a year and can be aggressive if cornered.
They’re not native to Pennsylvania and once they get established, they’re extremely hard to remove.
What To Do If You See One:
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission recommends:
Do NOT approach a feral hog
Take a photo only if it’s safe
Report sightings to conservation officers
Call 1‑855‑FISH‑BOAT (347‑4268)
Or visit fishandboat.com to report invasive species
- or contact the PA Game Commission 1‑833‑PGC-HUNT
Why This Matters:
- Pennsylvanians rely on healthy land for farming, hunting, gardening, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
- Feral hogs threaten all of that.
- They are a genuine ecological problem.
Can You Hunt Feral Hogs in Pennsylvania? What the Law Really Says:
Can you shoot them?
The short answer: Yes, you can legally take feral hogs in Pennsylvania — but there are rules.
Here’s the clear breakdown, written for everyday Pennsylvanians who want to understand what’s actually allowed.
1) Is there a season?
No Season, No Bag Limit, but Not a Free‑For‑All either.
Pennsylvania classifies feral hogs as an invasive species, not game animals. That means:
No hunting season
No bag limit
No tagging requirements
No special permit beyond a regular hunting license
You can take them year‑round, but where you are matters.
2) Where You Can Legally Shoot a Feral Hog:
On Private Land:
You can shoot a feral hog any time of year with permission from the landowner.
This is the simplest and most flexible situation.
On Public Land (State Game Lands, State Forests, etc.):
You can only take a feral hog if you are already hunting another species that is in season.
Example: If you’re out during deer season with a valid tag and a hog runs through — you can take it.
What You Cannot Do:
You cannot go onto public land outside of any hunting season and shoot hogs “just because.”
You cannot use “hog hunting” as a loophole to carry a firearm on public land out of season.
This rule exists to prevent poaching under the guise of hog control.
3) Can you keep the meat?
Yes. You can keep it, process it, cook it, and eat it. Many hunters say feral hog meat tastes similar to domestic pork, just leaner.
A few safety notes:
Wear gloves when field dressing
Cook thoroughly (165°F internal temperature)
Be aware that wild hogs can carry diseases like brucellosis and pseudorabies
Pennsylvania does not require testing or inspection for personal consumption.
4) Do You Have to Report It?
Yes — the state wants you to report sightings or harvested hogs.
You can contact:
PA Game Commission 1‑833‑PGC-HUNT
or
PA Fish & Boat Commission Invasive Species Hotline 1‑855‑FISH‑BOAT
Reporting helps wildlife officials track where hogs are spreading and how many are out there. You’re not in trouble — they want these animals removed — but they do want the data.
5) Should You Call Before or After?
You do not need to call before taking a hog. You should call after, especially if:
You saw multiple hogs
You found rooting damage
You’re in a county where hogs aren’t normally reported
You harvested one and want to help with tracking
Sometimes the Game Commission may want to inspect the carcass or collect samples.
6) How Pennsylvania Handles Hog Hunting:
Unlike southern states where hogs are widespread, Pennsylvania’s populations are still localized and manageable — and the state wants to keep it that way.
Allowing year‑round removal on private land helps control the problem. Restricting public‑land hunting to existing seasons prevents misuse of the rules.
It’s a balancing act between:
Stopping an invasive species
Preventing poaching
Keeping hunters safe and legal
Final Thoughts:
Feral hogs may be new to some Pennsylvanians, but they’re not new to the state. They’re destructive, fast‑breeding, and absolutely not something we want becoming established here.
As the state of Pennsylvania continues to monitor this unusual wildlife activity, feral hogs will remain one of the most concerning invasive species they’ve encountered. Their intelligence, rapid reproduction, and ability to alter landscapes in a single night make them a threat that cannot be ignored. Whether you’re a hunter, a landowner, or simply someone who spends time in the woods, staying informed is the first step.
If you see one — or take one — reporting it helps protect our farms, forests, and wildlife.
Have you ever seen signs of feral hogs in your area? Tracks, rooting, or even a sighting? I’d love to hear your stories.