Feral Hogs Root Up Georgetown, Texas

It’s no secret that feral hogs numbers have been on the increase. Farmers and ranchers across the US have felt the wrath of these hungry wild pigs for decades. Furthermore, coordinated feral hog trapping among state and federal agencies, combined with recreational and professional hog hunting, have done little to stifle population growth of this prolific omnivore. Urban hog damage is hitting many areas, including Texas. Residents of Georgetown, a small but rapidly growing city in Central Texas, have recently seen what feral hogs can do.

Source: Texas has a hog problem, and the city of Georgetown will hold a public forum to discuss it on Wednesday, February 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. The feral hog meeting will be in the Hewlett Room on the second floor of the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St.

Feral hogs have been causing lawn and landscape damage for some homeowners in the River Ridge, River Chase, and San Gabriel Heights neighborhoods. It seems residential lawns are part of the feral hog diet. The animals are entering yards via the South San Gabriel and Middle San Gabriel river corridors.

Feral Hog Hunting and Trapping in Texas - Necessary to Control Urban Hog Damage

The state of Texas estimates that feral hogs can cause up to $200 in property damage per year, per hog. That adds up to about $500 million in total damage; $52 million of which affects agricultural business in the state. The wild hog forum will be an opportunity for neighbors to share information and look at options for the feral hog issue.

Staff from the Georgetown Police Department, Georgetown Animal Services, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be in attendance.

As many land owners have already discovered, Georgetown residents will soon learn that feral hogs are not easy to deter or contain. Even in areas were there is extreme feral hog hunting and trapping the animals seem to persist, even thrive. It does not help when the stuff growing in your yard is more lush and better tasting than what the drought-ridden Texas landscape has to offer. Get a rope!

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