Feral Hogs

wildPigEarly Spanish Explorers probably were the first to introduce hogs in Texas over 300 years ago. As colonization increased, hog numbers subsequently increased. They provided an important source of cured meat and lard for settlers. Feral hogs may appear basically the same as domestic hogs and will vary in color and coat pattern.

A mature feral hog may reach a shoulder height of 36 inches and weigh from 100 to over 400 pounds. Hogs have four continuously growing tusks (two on top, two on bottom), and the contact causes a continuous sharpening of the lower tusks. They have relatively poor eyesight but have a keen sense of hearing and smell. Feral hogs are distributed throughout much of Texas, generally inhabiting the white-tailed deer range, with the highest population densities occurring in East, South, North, and Central Texas. The current population in Texas alone is in excess of 1.5 million.  

Trophy Club's Hog Mitigation Plan

Trapping is the most common method utilized by landowners and municipalities. This method allows for the safe and humane animal removal. The Trophy Club Animal Control division has taken the position that live trapping is the appropriate method of animal control. The animals would be baited and trapped in large groups. 

These groups would then be removed from the town and humanely euthanized. This option, like others, will be a slow and deliberate population control program. This will be a sustained program over months and years to control overall hog populations within Trophy Club. The hogs have lived in this area for many years, which is why total eradication is highly unlikely, but management and control of hog populations are possible through the efforts of everyone working together for a common goal. And even better, there is no cost to you!

If you are experiencing the disruptive effects of feral hogs on your property and would like to have the Town's wildlife contractor come to your home, email our Animal Control Officer, and he will help get you set up! [email protected] or 682.237.2969.

Frequently Asked Questions

rawImageWhat do feral hogs eat?

In a word, everything. Feral hogs are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. They are very opportunistic feeders, and much of their diet is based on availability. Foods include grasses, forbs, roots, tubers, browse, acorns, fruits, and bulbs. Animal matter includes invertebrates (insects, snails, and earthworms), reptiles, and birds. Hogs will also feed on domestic animals if given the opportunity.

Do feral hogs carry diseases?

Yes. In general, wild hogs carry various diseases. They include pseudo rabies, swine brucellosis, tuberculosis, bubonic plague, tularemia, hog cholera, and hoof and mouth disease.

How do I keep from contracting disease?

Most of these diseases are transmitted by contact, avoiding contact with wild or feral hogs is the only sure way of avoiding contracting these diseases.

Are feral hogs dangerous?

All wild animals have the potential to be dangerous, especially when wounded or cornered. In a natural state, feral hogs will prefer to run and escape danger and are not considered dangerous. Extreme caution should be maintained when encountering any wounded, cornered, trapped animal or females with young. "Their razor-sharp tusks combined with their lightning speed can cause serious injury."

Can I wipe out a hog population through trapping?

The feral hog has managed to survive, adapt, and increase its numbers despite attempts at population control. While it is possible to keep the population in check with continuous control, it is highly unlikely to eradicate a hog population within an established range. The Town has established a plan to help control the feral hog population.

What can we do to lessen the chance of a hog on our property?

If you live near any of the wooded areas by the lake or corp land or trails....or along the golf course and you have no perimeter fence:

  • Hogs are attracted to nuts, seeds, and grubs, and they prefer soft soil as digging is easier.
  • Yards that are overwatered and have trees that are shedding nuts and seeds are prime areas.
  • Cut back on watering and control any acorns etc., that are on the ground.
  • Proper grub control twice a year (spring and fall) is a MUST to do. That will help control the armadillos as well.
  • Nutsedge (or nut grass) will also attract hogs.  If you have that growing in your yard, do what you can to remove it.
  • Also, avoid black color mulch for flower beds and around trees as it holds more moisture.