An update on feral pig laws and regulations in Texas

Authors: Ryland Wieding, James Long, Brittany Wegner, Ty Werdel, James Cathey

Feral pigs are widely considered one of the most invasive species that Texans battle across the state. They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter, and can thrive in a wide array of habitats. Early Spanish explorers brought domestic pigs aboard their ships to America as a food source in the 1500’s. Since that time, and with more Europeans settling in the new world, pig escapes from holding pens and intentional releases created the original populations that landowners are battling today. Today, the estimated population of feral pigs in Texas is more than 3 million. Female feral swine have been documented to breed and conceive at 6 months of age. With a gestation period of 115 days, they can rapidly increase the population, causing more damage to the landscape.

Feral pigs are considered exotic livestock, and according to the Agriculture code 161.002, if exotic livestock are trapped or controlled, cared for, or marked or branded, that person assumes the role of caretaker and owner of the exotic livestock. In this scenario, feral pigs that are trapped, placed in a pen, and cared for are the person's responsibility, and the person must manage them accordingly. Because of this distinction, landowners can manage feral pigs on their properties through reduction practices or sale.