Wild Pigs

April 22, 2021

Question: I live in Alameda County where wild pigs sometimes get onto my property and tear up my yard. If I see a pig actively destroying my property, do I need permission from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to shoot it?

Answer: Wild pigs can be a common challenge for residents who live near open land in the Bay Area and elsewhere throughout the state. During the dry season, pigs may work their way into residential areas to take advantage of food resources that have dried out where they usually feed. California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 4181.1 allows for immediate take of any wild pig encountered damaging, destroying, or threatening to immediately damage or destroy land or other property, by the owner of the land, the property owner’s agent or employee, or by an agent or employee of any federal, state, county or city entity when acting in an official capacity. Known as the “encounter provision,” it most commonly applies to chance circumstances or unexpected issues. A person who takes a pig by encounter must report the take to CDFW no later than the next working day and must make the carcass available to department staff for inspection. For individuals such as yourself who are aware of an ongoing issue, the most appropriate mechanism is the depredation permit process. Depredation permits can be obtained through CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting System. With either depredation provision — encounter or permit — safe discharge of firearms and use of non-lead ammunition apply. Additionally, these authorizations do not supersede local ordinances that may prohibit discharge of a firearm where you live, so be sure you do not run afoul of local law.