Feral Hogs are a common nuisance in Texas. To get a better picture of how feral hogs affect the Texas ecosystem as a whole, it’s important to understand a few feral hog facts.

Range of Wild Hogs

To be sure, feral hogs are a large problem in the state of Texas; however, the problem stretches far beyond the state’s borders. Other southern states with wild hogs include Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Arizona, Alabama, and Florida. Out of all of the states with wild hogs, though, Texas is the one with the largest problem. It’s estimated that two million feral hogs roam the Texas landscape in 2018. This is particularly worrisome due to their quick breeding and their penchant to cause damage to infrastructure and the local ecosystem.

Reproduction

Feral hogs breed relatively quickly and are capable of doing so at six months old. The typical gestation period is around 115 days, with a litter size of four to six—but it can range up to twelve in good conditions. Although wild hogs can have two litters per year, research shows that one litter is more typical.

Diet

Feral hogs are omnivores, so they eat anything they can get their teeth on, including various plant and animal matter. While not active predators, if given the chance, they will prey upon younger animals, bird eggs, and crops. Their diet means that they must compete with other animals, but it also means that they’re a new, unnatural predator that local animals must learn to combat.

Diseases

Feral hogs are known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to local wildlife and livestock. These diseases and parasites include pseudorabies, bubonic plague, tularemia, foot and mouth disease, and round worms.
We hope you found these feral hog facts enlightening. If you want to help fight this nuisance, schedule your wild hog helicopter hunting trip at Texas Helicopter Pig Hunting!​