About Wild Hogs
The United States feral hog population has been experinencing a boom. The rising numbers of wild hogs have caused headaches across the the USA. The states of California, Florida, and Texas have the highest feral hog populations.
Feral hogs cause damage to suburban yards, golf courses, agricultural land, and many other natural areas. There is also an environmental component to the hog problem. Feral hogs damage the habitat of native wildlife and the predication of wildlife. They compete for food with many other animals, including white-tail deer and turkey. Extensive rooting of soils can cause serious erosion of riparian areas.
Feral hogs will prey on kid goats, lambs, calves, deer and ground nesting birds.
Feral hogs can harbor and transmit diseases and parasites to livestock and humans.
Feral hogs are the most prolific large wild mammal in North America. Populations can double in 4 months.
The average boar weighs 130 lbs and the sow 110 lbs. Some adults reach 400 lbs.
Hogs have poor eyesight and excellent hearing.
Feral hogs are good to eat. The meat is much leaner than penraised pork. As with all pork, care should be taken and the meat well cooked.
Studies have shown that feral hogs are some the the world's worst invasive species.
The omnivourous diet, aggressive behavior, and destructive feeding habits can severely alter certain ecosystems.