PIGS

In TW we enjoy nature; whether animal, vegetable or mineral. We hold native species in high regard, and even some invasives. But when it comes to pigs, we unite in wishing they were not here. If you work hard for nice looking lawn, they are evil itself. The due date for this column snuck up on me and I am resorting to Google; mostly Florida Wildlife Commission, to provide most of the following information. Feral swine are the same species, (Sus scrofa) as the pigs that are found on farms. Feral swine are descendants of escaped or released pigs and are called by many names including; wild boar, wild hog, razorback, feral pig, piney woods rooter, Russian or Eurasian boar, or just pig. No matter the name they are a dangerous, destructive, invasive species. It is hard to believe that “Babe” is one of these.

Feral swine were first brought to the United States in the 1500s by early explorers including Hernando DeSoto. Settlers used them as a source of food. Repeated introductions occurred thereafter. The geographic range of this destructive species is rapidly expanding and its populations are increasing across the nation. They occur in all 67 counties of Florida.

The wild hog is defined in FWC regulations as a hog that is free-roaming and which cannot be legally claimed as a domestic hog in private ownership. They are found in a wide variety of habitats but prefer oak-cabbage palm hammocks, freshwater marshes and sloughs, pine flatwoods, and more open agricultural areas. They can reach weights of more than 150 pounds and be 5-6 feet long. They usually travel in small family groups or alone. Wild hogs eat a variety of plants and animals and feed by rooting with their broad snouts. They disturb the soil and ground cover vegetation and leave the area looking like it has been plowed.

With landowner permission, wild hogs may be trapped, shot or hunted year-round with no fees, licenses or permits required (including when using a gun and light during non-daylight hours). Hunters may use dogs and any legal rifle, shotgun, crossbow, bow, pistol or air gun (including airbow). There is no size or bag limit, and either sex may be harvested. Poisoning wild hogs is prohibited. Trapped animals may only be released on a property with landowner permission. Trapping and/or transporting and even just holding them requires permits. Applicable permits may be obtained from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). So it is better to sit back and just hire a professional. A list of private nuisance wildlife trappers can be found at https://app.myfwc.com/HGM/NWT/NWTSearch.aspx.

Since hurricane Ian, I have seen very little sign of pigs and they have not been seen on my trail cameras either. The exception is the area where the lateral crosses the power lines just north of the RV lot. Now that I’ve said that, I expect to seem on film soon.

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