INTRODUCTION
One of the many challenges facing new and established Texas landowners is the battle against feral pigs (Sus scrofa; hereafter feral pigs), given the damage they cause. They are known by many names like feral pigs, wild pigs, wild hogs, wild boars, and razorbacks to name a few, and they are recognized to be a highly adaptable, invasive exotic species. Feral pig is a term used to describe three groups in North America, 1) feral pigs (those originating from domestic swine), 2) Eurasian boar (those imported from Europe), and 3) hybrids of the two Domestic swine were introduced to North America by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1539 and later introductions were made in Mexico by Hernando Cortez in 1600 14
Since then, feral pig populations developed and continued to grow, the exact population numbers are hard to determine but research puts their current population in the millions 20 Because of their invasive characteristics and fast-growing population, they can cause agricultural production damage, water quality impacts, and competition with native animals and livestock. In 2024, agricultural losses exceeded $670 million from feral pig activity and landowners across Texas are spending more than $130 million in control costs. Additionally, they pose a serious disease threat to humans, livestock and wildlife species, as noted in many publications, including “Disease Concerns Associated with Feral Pigs”.
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In this publication, we address the challenges that small acreage and metropolitan area landowners face in Texas. In this report we will provide management options that can be tailored to fit the restrictions common to these properties and suggest strategies that can be used to increase effectiveness when reducing feral pig numbers, especially for landowners with limited resources We will also provide information on management resources available to landowners across the state
A CHANGING TEXAS
Texas is a unique state with 82% of the working lands (farms, ranches, and forest lands) being privately owned, but even so, its landscape is rapidly changing. For example, it houses 7 of the 15 fastest growing cities in the nation, having seen a population boom from 19M to 29M in 20 years and a projected growth to over 40M by 2050. Over 86% of that growth has been in 25 counties, where working lands
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have changed to other uses This metropolitan growth diminishes land ownership size and further affects the rate of working land fragmentation As of 2017, the small land ownership tracts represent 58% of the total operations, but account for only 4% of all working lands in Texas. Combining this information and knowing that 86% of the state’s population lives in just 25 counties raises questions about the way people manage feral pigs on the changing landscape.
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