Authors: Jared B. Timmons, James C. Cathey

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) have become a major problem in Texas, with an estimated 2.6 million head causing approximately $52 million in agriculture damage, annually (Figure 1). The overall cost is underestimated, as losses associated with lawns, landscaping and irrigation damage in suburban areas is not known, but growing. They are capable of carrying and transmitting diseases to livestock, wildlife, and humans, having potential additional negative economic impacts. Feral hogs are a non-native invasive species classified as unmarked exotic livestock in Texas. Because of this designation, they are not owned by anyone until control is expressed. One way for landowners to express control of feral hogs is trapping. Once feral hogs have been trapped the transportation of live animals is regulated by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC).