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 …
Baits To Use For Trapping Feral Hogs
Baits used for trapping feral hogs can range from homemade concoctions to specialized commercial blends, carrion, or feedstuffs including whole corn, livestock cubes, or soured grain. Trappers advocating the use of each of these baits can be found depending on individual experiences. Ease of use, price, and availability are three of the most important variables to consider when choosing which bait to use for trapping feral hogs. Luckily, feral hogs will eat just about anything, making our choices less complicated.…
Feral Hog Damage to Trees and Forests
Figure 1. Feral hogs girdled and killed this pine tree by using it as a rubbing post. Photo courtesy of Jack Mayer.
Feral hogs severely effect trees and timber resources in several ways:
- rubbing and girdling mature trees (Fig. 1)
- rooting and chewing lateral roots of mature trees
- “tusking” or scent marking with the tusk glands, which damages tree bark
- disturbance of planted seedlings
Damage to planted seedlings is the most widespread and costly forest damage by feral hogs. …
Feral Hog Poison and Toxicants and the Boar-Operated-System
Currently, there are no approved poisons or toxicants that are registered and legal for use. However, there is considerable interest among the public and state and federal agencies to research use of toxicants to reduce feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations. The United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) is working with researchers to evaluate toxicants and delivery mechanisms.
A challenge in the use of toxicants is making them species specific. For instance, …