Authors: James Long, Jim Cathey, Larry Redmon, Roel Lopez

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 as 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.

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. 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”. 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.