Wild pigs are recognized as one of the greatest vertebrate modifiers of natural plant communities in existence and are frequently considered to be ecosystem engineers. Their diet is predominately comprised of plant materials despite being classified as a generalist and omnivore. Direct and indirect consequences of competition between wild pigs and native wildlife may manifest in several forms. Manifestations occur through interactions known as exploitative, interference, and apparent competition. Wild pig morphology, coupled with a highly plastic and opportunistic diet, allows access to a wide variety of animal prey. Generally, nearly all animals spending at least a portion of their lives on the ground are candidates for predation by wild pigs. Damage to forests is common where wild pigs occur in North America. Activity of wild pigs inhibits germination, and thus regeneration of numerous fruiting species, including conifer and deciduous taxa.