Feral pigs are very intelligent animals and readily adapt to changing conditions. These wild pigs may modify their response to humans fairly rapidly if it benefits their survival. Wild boar (introduced from Europe) have a greater capacity to invade colder and more mountainous terrain than do other feral pigs. Feral hogs feed during daylight hours or at night, but if hunting pressure becomes too great during the day, they will remain in heavy cover at that time and feed at night. In periods of hot weather, wild pigs remain in the shade in wallows during the day and feed at night.  (more…)

Feral pigs can cause a variety of damage on both a small and large scale. The most common complaint is rooting or grubbing, resulting in the destruction of crops and pastures. Often times, pigs will damage crops immediately after planting or right as grains mature and are ready for harvest. Damage to farm ponds and watering holes for livestock is another common problem, as land contouring and reconstruction is expensive. Predation on domestic stock and wildlife has been a lesser problem in North America, but has been found in some instances. (more…)

Trapping, especially where feral hogdensities are high, is probably the most effective control method. However, traps may not be effective during fall and winter when acorns or other preferred natural foods are available. Hogs seem to prefer acorns over grain and other baits, probably due to the larger percentage of fat found in acorns. Leg snares and hunting may be more productive control methods during fall and winter, but usually require considerably more effort and should not be considered a long-term control stragegy. Stationary corral-type traps and box traps have been used with success, and will help to control numbers, but will not eliminate a hog population. (more…)

In most areas it is unlikely that feral pigs can be exterminated. It is theoretically possible, but the cost to do so is usually prohibitive. Landowners must generally accept the fact that they will always have some wild pigs and should therefore plan for a long-term control program. (more…)