Mill Mountain Park in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
American Guinea Hog
Sus scrofa domesticcus
General Information
American Guinea Hogs are a domestic livestock species. This large pig species can grow to weigh anywhere between 150 to 300 pounds! They typically live between 10 and 15 years. American Guinea Hogs have poor eyesight, but they make up for it by having a great sense of smell and hearing! Females typically have 2 litters of piglets a year, and they usually have 6 piglets per litter.
Diet
Like most pigs, the American Guinea Hog is an omnivore. Historically, in the wild, they fed on rodents, small animals, grass, roots, and nuts.
Range and Habitat
American Guinea Hogs were once the most numerous breed of pig found in the Southeastern United States. As homesteads disappear, their distribution is now limited to isolated parts of the Southeast. This species is primarily kept as livestock.
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
American Guinea Hogs are not evaluated by the IUCN. However, they are listed as threatened by the Livestock Conservancy!
Wild Fact!
American Guinea Hogs, and other pig species, roll around in the mud to protect themselves from sunburns and bugs!
Erected by Mill Mountain Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 37° 14.879′ N, 79° 56.196′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Mill Mountain Park. It can be reached from Mill Mountain Spur Southeast south of Ridgeline Trail, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2404 Prospect Rd SE, Roanoke VA 24014, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region and in Southwest Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Myotonic Goats (here, next to this marker); Domestic Ducks (a few steps from this marker); Burmese Python (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Panda (within shouting distance of this marker); Northern Lynx (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bald Eagle (about 300 feet away); Black Bear Recovery (about 400 feet away); Red Wolf (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
While most interpretive signs in zoos do not serve as historical markers, this one does. It interprets the agricultural heritage of a heritage breed that has waned in popularity, thus affecting its proliferation in the Southeastern U.S.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
