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HomeFish and Game CodeDiv. 4Pt. 3Ch. 7§ 4650 Wild Pig Identification Standards

§ 4650 Wild Pig Identification Standards

Fish and Game Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4650 Wild Pig Identification Standards

Key Takeaways

  • •A wild pig is one that looks wild and isn't marked or tagged as someone's pet or farm animal.
  • •Wild pigs have dark, coarse hair, dark snouts, ears, legs, and tails, and big heads with small eyes.
  • •They have big, sharp teeth, especially the males, with long lower teeth that can be up to 4.7 inches long.
  • •If a pig is roaming free and looks wild with no tags or marks, it's considered a wild pig.

Example

You see a pig running around in the woods with long, dark hair, a big head, and really long teeth.

This pig is considered a wild pig because it has the wild looks and no tags or marks showing it belongs to someone.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4650 Wild Pig Identification Standards

(a) For purposes of this code, “wild pig” means any of the following: (1) (A) A pig having two or more phenotypical characteristics specified in subparagraph (B) that does not have a brand, tattoo, or other permanent mark or visible tag approved by the Department of Food and Agriculture pursuant to Section 10791 of the Food and Agricultural Code. (B) Phenotypical characteristics include all of the following: (i) Having a coat described by all of the following: long, dark, coarse bristles and guard hairs; the undercoat, when present, is lighter in color than the overlaying coat; and individual hairs have bristle tips that are lighter in color than the rest of the hair shaft. (ii) Having dark “point” coloration: distal portion of the snout, ears, legs, and tail are dark brown to black in coloration. (iii) Having a skeletal appearance that has both of the following characteristics: the skull is large, measuring up to one-third of the total body length; and a short massive trunk with underdeveloped hindquarters. (iv) Having a head with small, deep-set eyes and an elongated snout. (v) Having a tail held straight or slightly curved but containing muscular structure to curl the tail. (vi) Having teeth satisfying all of the following, as applicable: males have well-developed canine teeth; upper canines are relatively short and grow sideways early in life and gradually curl upwards with age; lower canines are sharper and longer with exposed parts measuring up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length. (2) A free-roaming pig, feral pig, or European wild boar having no visible tags, markings, or characteristics indicating that the pig or boar is from a domestic herd. (b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024. (Repealed (in Sec. 22) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 469, Sec. 23. (SB 856) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

wild pigphenotypical characteristicsfree-roaming pigferal pigEuropean wild boar

Related Statutes

  • § 4652 Wild Pig Hunting Permit
  • § 15600 Aquatic Species Import Permits
  • § 15601 Aquatic Species Import Approval
  • § 15604 Smith River Fish Hatcheries
  • § 15605 Atlantic Salmon Import Exceptions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 4650.
View Official Source