Hogs are mostly docile creatures that will leave humans alone, but if you’re in a situation where they charge you or attack a domestic animal, it is best to call Animal Control.
SEABROOK, Texas — Editor’s note: The video above is about the feral hog problem in The Woodlands and aired on KHOU in January.
The feral hogs that have been spotted at Seabrook’s Wildlife Park are causing a disturbance. The park is located off Red Bluff and the Local Animal Control has received several calls from people who have seen the packs of hogs.
City officials said that the activity is not unusual, but people should be observant and aware of their surroundings. They warned that the activity may cause apprehension in residents, and encouraged people to be vigilant and take precautions.
If you see feral hogs, it is best to stay away from them and not feed them. It is also illegal to shoot them in most cities.
If you see feral hogs in your neighborhood, please call Animal Control. If the hogs are not threatening your personal property or wellbeing, there is no need to contact Animal Control.
About feral hogs
Feral hogs are omnivorous mammals that primarily feed at night. They may go out during the day in cold or wet weather, but they are mostly active at night. This makes them a bit of a mystery to people who see them roaming around in the daytime.
Since they’re mostly nocturnal, the only sign of their presence you’ll usually see is wallowing, rubbing, and rooting.
Wallows are where the hogs roll around in the mud. Rubbing is when the hogs scratch or rub themselves against tree trunks, telephone poles, fence posts, and rocks. Mud and hair can be left clinging to whatever the hogs were rubbing. Rooting appears as if the soil has been plowed and takes place over a large area.
Feral Hogs
Feral hogs are a big problem in Texas. They damage property, compete with native wildlife and domestic animals for food and carry diseases that can infect people, pets, and livestock.
Feral hogs are descendants of escaped or released domestic pigs. They are not true wild boars, but they are often referred to as such.
Feral hogs are found in every county in Texas and in every habitat, from swamps to deserts. They are most commonly seen in wooded areas, but they will live anywhere there is food and water.
Feral hogs can have litters of up to 12 piglets, and they can reproduce twice a year. This, combined with their lack of predators, makes them a very difficult pest to control.
The best way to control feral hogs is to prevent them from getting established in the first place. If you see feral hogs on your property, please call Animal Control.
Feral Hogs Carry Diseases
Feral hogs can carry diseases that can infect people, pets, and livestock. Some of these diseases are.
-Swine brucellosis, is a bacterial disease that affects pigs and other animals. It can cause fever, joint pain, and reproductive problems.
-Tuberculosis, is a bacterial disease that affects the lungs and other organs. It can cause coughing, weight loss, and fatigue.
-Trichinellosis, is a parasitic disease that affects pigs and other animals. It can cause fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
-Salmonellosis: a bacterial disease that affects the digestive system. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
What To Do If You See Feral Hogs
If you see feral hogs, the best thing to do is to stay away from them and not feed them. If they are not threatening your personal property or wellbeing, there is no need to contact Animal Control.
Please call Animal Control if:
-The hogs are causing damage to your property
-The hogs are threatening your personal safety or the safety of others
-You have information about someone who is illegally feeding feral hogs
What Not To Do If You See Feral Hogs
Do not shoot the hogs. It is illegal to shoot them in most cities, and it just creates a food source for other animals.
Do not try to capture or relocate the hogs. They are strong and can be dangerous.
Do not feed the hogs. This just attracts more hogs to the area.
Wildlife Removal
If you have a feral hog on your property and would like it removed. Please call Animal Control if you see feral hogs on your property.
AAAC Wildlife Removal will humanely trap and remove the hog(s) from your property and relocate them to a wildlife sanctuary. We also offer long-term solutions such as installing hog-proof fencing to keep hogs from returning.
If you have any questions, please give us a call. We are here to help!
The news originally from: https://www.khou.com/article/life/animals/dont-shoot-seabrook-city-officials-warn-residents-to-leave-feral-hogs-alone/285-237bcb84-1500-490f-a3a4-fc3e9759d4f5
