Page 15 - Southern Exposure - January '24

Southern Exposure, Page 15

northern noteS

Feral Hogs – A Growing Problem

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Feral hogs have been in domestic pigs, feral swine have cloven
Florida since the 1500s, when hooves. Although wild swine tracks
they were initially brought to look similar to deer tracks, they have a
North America by European blunter tipped toe, and their tracks have
explorers and settlers who a square shape compared to the pointed
sailed here looking for gold heart-shaped tracks of deer.
and a western passage to Hogs are omnivores, meaning they
China. They were brought feed on plants and animals. To feed,
with the settlers on ships as they root up the earth with their snouts
a food source in the New and feet to find plants, grubs and small
World. Over the years, some animals. If the soil is soft, depending
domesticated hogs got loose on the size of the group of hogs, they
and became wild/feral. Additionally, Russian boars were can dig down almost 2 feet and clear
introduced to the United States in the 1900s for sport hunting. one to two acres per night. Because
Interbreeding between escaped domestic pigs and boars has they are usually active at night, feral
created hybrids with the most robust characteristics of each. swine are less frequently seen during
Wild hogs are found in all 67 Florida counties and at least daylight hours, particularly in hot,
35 states today. Over 500,000 are estimated in Florida, with humid climates. It may be easiest to
approximately 6 million nationwide. identify feral swine in your area by looking for signs of damage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also writes that
The wild hog population continues to expand as they Wild hogs can destroy environmentally sensitive feral swine can carry diseases and parasites that may affect
become used to different climates. They are found in various land and prey on native wildlife, competing with native people, pets, livestock and wildlife. Some diseases, such as
habitats but prefer oak-cabbage palm hammocks, freshwater species for food and resources. Severe hog-rooting can pseudorabies, are fatal to cats and dogs that may be exposed
marshes and sloughs, pine flatwoods, and open agricultural cause erosion along lakes and canals, leading to sediment to direct contact with a feral swine carcass.
areas. In addition, they have few natural predators. Bobcats, buildup and increased nutrients that deteriorate water The only way to control the population of wild hogs is
coyotes and panthers can prey on smaller hogs, but man is quality and increase algae growth. They assist in spreading through trapping and hunting. Adequate fencing will keep
the most significant predator of wild hogs. invasive plant species with their droppings and providing them out of yards and gardens. Wild Hog Scram can be spread
They are a destructive, invasive species, called by many germination sites through rooting. on the ground to repel hogs and minimize property damage in
names, including wild hogs, wild boars, feral swine, or Feral pigs are known to be dangerous to people, areas that cannot be fenced. If you have a problem with feral
razorbacks. Wild hogs grow to about 3 to 5 feet long and particularly when they travel in herds with their young. hogs near your property, you will want to contact a wildlife
weigh 75 to 250 pounds, but some can be twice as large. They have also been known to be aggressive toward dogs trapper for immediate removal.
Living in groups called sounders, they damage crops, and other pets. NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
commercial and personal property and environmentally The enormous tusks that protrude from the boar’s lower or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
sensitive land. They have litters of four to eight young and jaw are the trademark of the wild boar. Boars use these tusks wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
can reproduce twice yearly. Feral swine are muscular and – which are actually canine teeth – to dig and root for food, swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour. Like deer and but they also can and will use them for defense.

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