Vehicle collisions with feral hogs (also called wild hogs and wild pigs; Sus scrofa) are known to occur in the United States. As the population size of these animals increases, the frequency of feral hog-vehicle collisions increases concurrently. In some locations of high incidence for these accidents, feral hog crossing signs have been erected to warn motorists (Fig. 1). In general, feral hogs are large animals (for example, 200+ lb) with a relatively low center …
Feral hogs (also called wild hogs or wild pigs; Sus scrofa) are omnivorous and very opportunistic in their food habits. Their feeding behavior is one of the main reasons why this species has been so successful in establishing new populations in areas previously without feral hogs. The year-round diet of feral hogs is composed primarily of plants with smaller amounts of algae, fungi, animals, and other material (Fig. 1). Their diet depends on food availability. The types of food …
Feral hog snares can be a beneficial tool for controlling feral hogs. They are relatively inexpensive, simple to build with minimal tools needed, and highly adaptable to terrains where corral or box-type traps are not easily deployed. They also work well for trap-shy feral hogs. It is important to remember, however, that snares can trap non-target species, such as deer. The trapper should take precautions in the deployment of snares to minimize this effect.
Corral traps are very popular methods of trapping undesired feral hogs by landowners. As with any method, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with their construction and deployment.
• Corral traps are effective for capturing entire sounders (groups) of hogs.
• Deer are able to escape the open top.
• Can be located in areas with ongoing hog use.
• Can be expensive and time-consuming to construct.
• Not easily moved and are more …
The distribution of feral hogs in the United States is monitored continuously via the National Feral Swine Mapping System (NFSMS). As of 2010, 37 states have reported established feral hog populations. Established populations are defined in the NFSMS as those having been present for two or more years and with evidence of reproduction.…
Feral hogs are expanding their range because of high reproductive output and wide variety of suitable habitats available to them. Additionally, only a few predators are willing to take adult feral hogs. Populations of feral hogs are showing up in new areas away from other feral hog populations. This is likely due to escape from pens and from intentional, illegal releases of feral hogs.
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Corral traps are a popular and effective method of controlling feral hogs. They are capable of catching entire sounders (groups of hogs) in one capture. Most corral traps are made of 20- by 5-ft utility panels with 4- by 4-inch square mesh and steel T-posts.
Some corral traps use head gates, while others use the panels themselves to create a funnel. These can be beneficial as head gates are typically expensive to purchase. This is the type we will discuss …
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| Photo courtesy Jared Timmons, Texas AgriLife Extension |
Rooter/lifter gates are top choices among feral hog trappers because they allow additional capture after the initial gate closure. The rooter/lifter gate can be changed so that it initially operates as a drop gate. Because rooter/lifter gate designs differ greatly in design, shape, and size, modifications will also vary, but the adjustments described by Dan McMurtry of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDAAPHIS) and explained …
Although feral hogs (also called wild hogs and wild pigs; Sus scrofa) are a big game resource in the United States, these non-native animals are almost always classified as an undesirable invasive species. Feral hogs cause a large variety of damage to natural and man-made environments. Economic losses from feral hogs to agricultural resources, including cost of feral hog control, is an estimated $1.5 billion annually in the United States (Pimentel 2007). Feral hogs are one …
Figure 1. This field was rooted up by feral hogs. Photo courtesy of Jack Mayer.
One of the more destructive habits of feral hogs is their rooting behavior. Feral hogs root to obtain food. Rooting breaks up and loosens the surface and near-surface layers of the soil column. Rooting behavior varies significantly between locations and habitats, depending on size and depth of area uprooted (Fig. 1). It can differ from shallow disturbance or …
