Wet Summer Could Mean Surge in Feral Hog Numbers

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They may look cute now, but in a few months these juvenile feral hogs could be producing litters of four to six piglets of their own, said Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Texas Cooperative Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist. Higginbotham recommended that traps be made with mesh no larger than 4-inch by 4-inch squares so as to prevent small hogs like these escaping. (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station photo) For high resolution photos: If you're using a PC (Windows or Linux), right click the mouse here.If you are using Netscape, choose Save Link As. If you are using Internet Explorer, right click here and choose Save Target As ... In both cases, a pop-up box will appear so you can name the photo and the drive where it will be saved. If you're using a Mac, hold the option key down and mouse click here to download the high resolution image. If you need more information, help or wish to report a problem, e-mail newsteam@agnews2.tamu.edu anytime or call (979) 845-2895, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central time.

With a bumper acorn crop expected this year, landowners may have to change their trapping methods for feral hog, said Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Texas Cooperative Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist. Hog prefer acorns over the shelled corn commonly used for bait in traps. Higginbotham suggested the use of soured corn (fermented corn) or other baits that have an odor and appeal to feral hogs' keen sense of smell. (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station photo) For high resolution photo: Read instructions above and click here.