Feral Hogs: The Species Plague of Texas

It is estimated that there are 2 million feral hogs that plague Texas with their numbers dramatically increasing each year in almost every county.

Where did the feral hog come from?

In the 1680's domesticated hogs were a paramount livestock to the early settlers and were the main source of protein and their adaptable nature allowed to survive even harsh environments or climates. Typically these hogs were either caged on the property or allowed to roam free. These were essential because they required little help from the settlers for survival with opportunistic feeding patterns ranging from plants to animals. Feral hogs is a term that describes Eurasian wild boars, feral hogs that came from domestication, and a hybrid of these two. When the settlers were faced with war or forced to abandon their homes, they simply leaving their hogs to roam free and self-preserve. Therefore the feral hog came from a domesticated hog forced to survive in the wild, eventually evolving into the feral hogs we know today.

How big do feral hogs get?

Typically a feral hog, or wild boar, weigh an average of 130 pounds and sows average weight is normally 110 pounds. With the shift from domestication to feral, the hogs have become more compact in size and with a leaner more muscular body. This change has made them more adept for survival. Feral hogs have very little eyesight, but their hearing and sense of smell are heightened because of this.

Is a Razorback a wild boar?

The Razorback is a nickname for wild boars which have a mane or a crest of hair on their necks and backs that usually raises as they are angered, similar to a cat. This hair forms into a row down their spine resembling a razor.

Are feral hogs dangerous?

There are not only dangers to safety for humans and livestock due to feral hogs, but agricultural destruction as well. Here are the most typical hazards due to these menacing and predatory animals. They are scavengers, meaning they will eat anything that they can find ranging from vegetation to livestock in certain situations or when forage is scarce. Visit our previous blog, www.bradshawcattlecompany.com/blog/single-post/are-feral-hogs-dangerous for more information about the dangers of these predators.

Do you need a license to hunt wild hogs in Texas?

According to Texas A&M Systems, Landowners or their agents are allowed to kill feral hogs on their property without a hunting license if feral hogs are causing damage. However, any landowner that plans to trap or snare hogs should have a valid Texas hunting license, since these activities could affect other wildlife species.

Are wild boars invasive?

Boars are not only invasive on pastures causing considerable damage to forage growth. This damage not only creates an expensive cost to the producer, but also takes a high amount of time away from other productive processes and return their pastures to pre-swine conditions. They also cause major issues with livestock's water supply. When boars root or wallow near water access, they muddy the ponds. Ponds that become extremely muddied tend to grow algae blooms, lose oxygen, and sour the water due to the erosion of the water banks. The severity of this water damage is typically surrounding weather climates. Issues become more extreme as drought conditions increase due to the higher number of swine concentrating near water sources.

What are the cost repercussions of a wild hog infestation?

Feral hogs not only eat forage, supplemental food, and mineral supplementation, but they also cause damage to equipment, fencing, breeding stock and offspring, and animal movements and habits within your pasture. Typically when there is an infestation within a ranch or even a particular field, the damages cause a high volume of damage, risking a great financial cost to the cattleman.