Probably the most loved and hated animal in all of Texas history is the feral hog (Sus scrofa). The total estimated population in the United States is in the neighborhood of 4 million, and roughly half of them live in Texas.
Feral hogs decimate crops, destroy roads and fences, compete directly with other wildlife for forage, reproduce at an alarming rate, are a major contributor to the outbreak of e-coli in the rivers in Central Texas, namely McLennan County and can be near impossible to control.
The three strains of wild hogs in Texas are the Eurasian, the feral (escaped or domestic hogs), and the hybrids of these two breeding. Few, if any, pure Eurasian hogs remain. Coat color, pattern and bristle length can help identify the strain of feral hog.
Though there are many methods of control from allowing hunters access to public and private land to hiring a helicopter and sharpshooter, many methods come with great risk and at times minimal results. Some so called “hog exterminators” exit but be leery of many of these individual operations. Another option is to hire a true wildlife professional with experience that is licensed and insured for a long term resolution to the problem.
A All Animal Control of Central Texas has more than 20 years experience in dealing with feral hogs. Jimmy Catchings is a native born Texan and is a licensed and insured wildlife professional serving all of Central Texas from Waco, Killeen, Belton, Temple, Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Salado and surrounding areas.
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