Authors: Mikayla Killam Michael J. Bodenchuk, and John M. Tomecek
Populations of feral hogs, a non-native species, have grown dramatically in recent years. As human populations and urbanization also continue to increase, interactions and conflicts between feral hogs and humans will only continue to grow. Although feral hogs rarely present a direct physical threat to humans, the hogs damage property, negatively impact the environment, and carry diseases that are transmissible to livestock, pets, and humans. On school grounds, damage by feral hogs can impact sports fields, lawns and landscaping, irrigation systems, and gardens. Additional risks of disease transmission exist wherever fecal matter is deposited, especially when in proximity to young children or school-related livestock projects. When feral hogs do appear in a community, it is essential that schools understand how to manage the presence of feral hogs on their properties to protect their students and their communities alike. While the management of nuisance wildlife is primarily designed to control negative impacts rather than remove animals, feral hogs are different. As an exotic, invasive species, they must be removed whenever possible to prevent damage to ecosystems, native plants and animals, and human health, safety, and food supplies. Although there are a variety of management tools for feral hogs, lethal removal is the ultimate goal, whether euthanasia occurs at the damage site or at a remote location, such as a meat processor. This guide functions as an aid, primarily to school Integrated Pest Management (IPM) coordinators, to address the presence of feral hogs on school grounds. The following information provides scientifically founded techniques to aid in those maintaining the safety of students at schools. School grounds impacted by feral hog damage can take on a variety of 1 Wildlife Damage Management Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 2 State Director, Texas Wildlife Services 3 Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Servicer Figure 1. Feral hogs can look similar to domestic swine. They typically have rough coats that can include a variety of colors. Photo by David Campbell forms but are typically situated in urban or suburban environments. The areas impacted can include sports f ields, play areas, agricultural facilities, educational f ield sites, and even areas immediately surrounding buildings. These management techniques could also be applied by any individual or organization seeking to manage feral hogs in and around human habitation and development.
Suggested Citation
Killam, M.M., M.J. Bodenchuck, J.M. Tomeček. 2022. Managing Feral Hogs on School Grounds: An Integrated Pest Management Approach No. RWFM-PU-395.
