by Chancey Lewis
As in many areas across Texas, feral hog numbers appear to be increasing in the Plum Creek Watershed in Hays and Caldwell counties. These animals damage crops, livestock, landscaping, and natural habitat in rural and urban areas alike.
Landowners and managers have had it with feral hogs! Research shows that this exotic species causes ~$52 million dollars worth of agricultural damage on an annual basis in Texas. Additionally, it is thought that feral hogs negatively influence water quality in the Plum Creek Watershed.
Due to their numbers, distribution, and behavior, feral hogs can increase levels of sediment, nutrients, and bacteria in streams and lakes. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service is cooperating with the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership to address this growing issue by providing information and assistance to watershed landowners to reduce feral hog activity.
The Watershed Protection Plan for Plum Creek calls for the reduction of feral hogs within the basin. Wherever feral hogs are found, they leave evidence (sign) of their passing. Reading the sign can help landowners recognize where hogs are traveling on their lands and apply the appropriate management response to reduce their numbers.
While the most noticeable sign of activity is rooting of the soil, it is not the only indicator of their presence. Signs of feral hog activity also include crop damage, wallows, rubs, tracks, trails, droppings, and beds.
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service recently produced a new publication that can be used to recognize and interpret sign left by feral hogs. Feral hog education efforts including this publication were funded by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board through an EPA 319 grant.
Recognizing Feral Hog Sign