You might remember when feral hogs first became a punchline in 2019. Thanks to news stories, tweets, and memes, these formidable animals were all anyone could talk about for weeks.
But in reality, there isn’t much about wild swine that’s funny. They pose a serious threat to humans, ecosystems, and even the global food chain.
If you’re ready to learn the terrible truth about feral hogs, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dig in!
Feral Hogs Spread Disease and Destruction Across the US
These days, wild pigs are a common sight in many states across the US. They first came to North America in the 1500s on ships carrying European explorers. These tough critters are nuisances, known to attack humans when threatened. But that’s not all they’re capable of.
Feral hogs are considered invasive. These creatures routinely ruin crops and damage soil, causing problems for farmers. They target many native animal species, including several endangered ones. However, these wild pigs also cause destruction in many ways.
As well-known carriers of all kinds of diseases, feral hogs routinely spread illnesses that infect both humans and other animals. Further, they harbor bacteria that cause several different types of infections. Worse yet, as a mixing vessel species, they provide a perfect breeding ground for new pathogens.
What Are Feral Hogs?
Before they were feral hogs, these animals were an everyday sight in Europe. Early settlers knew they would quickly reproduce and adapt to their new surroundings. They provided a reliable food source for some of the first explorers to reach the New World.
Wild swine thrive in nearly any environment, from wooded mountain areas to warm, seaside climates. Their diets are wide-ranging and include plants, insects, and animals. Females can reproduce by eight months of age and routinely have large litters.
Adult hogs reach massive sizes, much larger than regular pigs. Fully grown swine may be as long as five to six feet. Females can weigh 170 pounds, while males can grow to a whopping 220 pounds.
Because of their high populations and survival skills, you can find them in 28 states. Scientists think there might be as many as nine million in the US alone. And as their numbers increase, so do the various risks they present.
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Why Are These Creatures Such a Problem?
Feral hogs aren’t simply big pigs. They’re powerful creatures that threaten humans, plants, other animals, and even property. Here are a few of the problems they cause.
Feral Hogs Are an Invasive Species
Before European settlers came to North America, wild pigs were nowhere to be found. The first explorers brought them here starting in the 16th century. Their adaptability made them a reliable, easy-to-maintain food source. But as food became industrialized, their numbers skyrocketed.
Most invasive species negatively affect their surroundings, and this couldn’t be more true for undomesticated pigs. They’ll eat almost anything and have few natural predators. This leads to massive devastation among native plants and animals.
While the hogs are mainly in Texas and the southeastern US, they’re spreading into other states, including California and northern Arizona.
They Destroy Property
These critters aren’t just a nightmare for the environment. They’re also a headache for farmers. Feral hogs eat various crops, dig up entire root systems, and trample young plants. A single family could destroy weeks or months of crop growth.
Personal property damage is another huge issue. Thanks to their size, wild swine often ruin landscaping, gardens, and outdoor structures like fences. Kids and pets are especially at risk during these encounters.
Feral Hogs Spread Disease
Property and environmental destruction are only the beginning. One of the most dangerous aspects of a feral hog is its ability to spread diseases.
These animals can contract and circulate up to 34 infectious illnesses, including pseudorabies, salmonella, and hepatitis. They’re also known carriers of the bacteria that cause brucellosis, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis.
But scientists are most concerned about African swine fever. While it doesn’t impact humans, it’s fatal to other animals. One outbreak could have unthinkable effects on the world’s food supply.
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How Are States Managing Feral Hog Populations?
Left to their own devices, undomesticated pigs clearly cause many problems. And the fact that they reproduce so quickly makes the situation more complicated. That’s why local and state officials are humanely trying to reduce their populations.
Understanding feral hogs’ behavior helps scientists learn how to combat them. Research is underway across public, private, and state organizations to discover how their numbers keep increasing. Colleges and universities with conservation programs are also working on the issue.
Trapping, hunting, and fencing are popular methods for keeping wild swine away from communities. Some states use sterilization by carefully placing feeders containing contraceptives. These drugs lower the chances for successful reproduction, reducing the pigs’ populations.
One extreme solution is poisoning. This isn’t a common practice since toxins may accidentally affect other species. States that use poison traps make sure they’re highly regulated and closely monitored.
Are Feral Hogs and Javelinas the Same?
Wild pigs and javelinas look like they could be cousins. But these two creatures couldn’t be more different.
Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are endemic to the Southwest US all the way down to South America. They’re much smaller than feral hogs, with adults measuring just two feet tall and under 50 pounds. And unlike their larger counterparts, they’re natural herbivores.
As a native species, javelinas aren’t a threat to the environment. They also tend to leave humans alone, only biting or attacking when seriously provoked. While undomesticated swine are a significant problem, these critters are mostly harmless.
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All Things in Moderation, Including Wild Hogs
Diseases, destruction, and environmental damage are just a few issues caused by feral hogs. While these creatures may not seem concerning right now, they could become a problem in the future. That’s why reducing their populations and keeping them away from farms and communities is so important.
If you find yourself face-to-face with a wild pig, get away however you can. Report your sighting to local animal control as well. With enough effort, these animals might finally stop being a headache once and for all.
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