Publisher's Synopsis
With an estimated population of at least 500,000 distributed across 19 states, the wild-living pig (Sus scrofa) is the most abundant free-ranging introduced ungulate in the United States. Until now, however, little has been known about the wild pig on a national scale, despite its abundance and significance as both a pest and a game animal. Whereas previous studies have been regional in scope, "Wild Pigs in the United States" is a comprehensive work on wild pig history, current status, comparative morphology, and other subjects important to the species' management and control.;The information in this volume relates to the country's three prevalent wild pig types: the introduced Eruasian wild boar, the feral (once domestic, now wild) hob, and hybrids of the two. The first section of the book presents a history of wild pigs in the USA - their origins; when, where and by whom they were first introduced; and their subjsequent dispersal.;John J. Mayer and I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr. then develop specific criteria, based on taxonomic principles, for differentiating between the wild pig types. Employing numerous illustrations, graphs and tables, they analyze and compare morphometric and discrete characters of the skull, external body dimensions and proportions, coat coloration patterns, and hair structure and form.;A report on the current status of wild pig populations in the United States completes the volume.
