CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire wildlife officials are asking the public to report sightings of free-ranging feral swine — known more commonly as wild pigs, wild boar or feral hogs.

The animals are not native to North America and have expanded their range from 17 to 39 states in the last 30 years. They currently are found in many northeastern states including New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.

Officials say the animals’ expanded range is a concern to farmers, homeowners, animal health officials and others. The animals annually are estimated to cause $1.5 billion in damage. They use their snouts to uproot vegetation and earth in search of food — damaging lawns, backyard gardens, parks and golf courses. They also trample crops and create mud bath wallows in pastures.