Primary Food Sources:
* Roots and Tubers: They are excellent diggers and can access roots and tubers buried deep in the ground, including:
* Wild onions
* Wild garlic
* Dandelions
* Wild potatoes
* Other underground plants
* Acorns and Nuts: Wild boars are attracted to acorns, beechnuts, and other forest nuts, especially during autumn.
* Grasses and Seeds: They graze on various grasses and seeds, making them a significant threat to agricultural fields.
* Fruits: They enjoy consuming fruits like berries, apples, and peaches, especially when available.
* Insects and Worms: They are opportunistic feeders and will consume insects, worms, and other invertebrates.
Other Food Sources:
* Carrion: Wild boars are known to scavenge on carrion and can even hunt small animals.
* Fungi: They will eat mushrooms and other fungi.
* Agricultural Crops: They are notorious for raiding fields and damaging crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Seasonal Variation:
Their diet varies depending on the season. During spring and summer, they mainly consume vegetation and insects. In autumn, they focus on nuts and acorns. During winter, they rely more on roots, tubers, and carrion.
Impacts on Michigan's Ecosystem:
Their varied diet contributes to their success as an invasive species. They compete with native wildlife for food, damage crops, and disrupt forest ecosystems through their rooting and foraging activities.
Note: The information above is general and the specific diet of wild boars can vary depending on the location and availability of food sources.