Human-wildlife conflict resolution

Wild hogs on the rise, MSU biologists offer solutions

Feral hogs, known to most hunters as wild hogs, are one of the most controversial wildlife species in the U.S., and are found in large numbers in almost every state, including Mississippi.

While hunters enjoy pursuing these elusive and dangerous animals, most landowners view them as a nuisance. Extremely destructive in their foraging habits, these omnivores often become cagey and dangerous when hunted.

"One of the primary problems with feral hogs is that they root through the soil in search of food, causing various problems in both agricultural and natural settings," said Sam Riffell, MSU wildlife and fisheries assistant professor. "This type of behavior can cause soil erosion, destroy native plant communities, reduce nesting cover and available forage for other wildlife species, and cause economic losses through crop depredation in agricultural systems."

In addition to consuming vegetation, feral hogs carry diseases that can be passed on to livestock, humans and other wildlife, Riffell added.

To determine ways to better manage feral hogs, Riffell and graduate student Clay Hayes initiated a research project through the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

Hayes, a native of Milton, Fla., examined the home range, habitat use, and survival of 29 feral hogs in central Mississippi. From April 2005 through April 2006, Hayes trapped and radio-collared the hogs then located them two to three times per week using radio telemetry.

"Our study found that several factors influence the preferred habitat of wild hogs," Hayes said. "First, because hogs have no sweat glands, they prefer moist areas during hot weather, and may become primarily nocturnal during the hottest parts of the year."

Other factors include food availability and a need for cover, Hayes added.

Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, and the Berryman Institute, the study revealed that season, wet versus dry, also influences home range size. In general, the home ranges in this study were larger during the dry season than the wet, possibly due to seasonal flooding of some areas within the home range. "Understanding the home range of feral hogs is important for minimizing negative interactions between feral hogs and native wildlife," Hayes explained. "Managers need to know what types of habitat the hogs are using as well as how large an area they roam to make management decisions regarding damage." In looking at survival rates of the 29 hogs included in the study, Hayes found that 80 percent of the observed mortality in feral hogs was caused by hunting or trapping. "While hunting and trapping may not reduce hog numbers, it may help to reduce damage in certain areas," Hayes said. "Private landowners may legally take hogs on their property at any time of the year, whereas state wildlife management areas have seasons." Hunting, trapping, and harassment may be the best tools managers and landowners have to reduce damage to sensitive areas, Riffell added. Hogs tend to move from areas where they are heavily disturbed into more peaceful surroundings. For this reason, hunting with dogs may be particularly effective if the object is to remove a few animals and cause the remaining ones to relocate. Hunting feral pigs is usually relatively safe, as these animals are elusive and have excellent senses of hearing and smell. "However, if you wound one, corner one, or happen upon a sow with young, watch out," Hayes said. "Because of their size, speed and tusks, wild hogs can be quite formidable and dangerous." Hunting with dogs bred and trained for hog hunting is usually safest, he added, but dogs used to hunt wild hogs should be equipped with heavy vests to limit chances of injury. Larger caliber, above .243, repeating rifles are best because the bullet has to get through a tough hide, a lot of muscle, and quite a bit of cartilage around the shoulders to take a hog. "If you happen upon a feral hog unarmed, try not to spook it" Riffell warned. "Because they have poor eyesight, they may run towards, and over, you if panicked. It is best to back away slowly. " Other wild hog-related research being conducted at MSU includes a human dimensions study by Edith Parks, a graduate student under the guidance of assistant professor Kevin Hunt. Her work includes a survey to determine the distribution of feral hogs and attitudes towards them. Rich Minnis, an assistant research professor is conducting a study on avian influenza in duck and hog populations around the state. Research of feral hogs by the department of Wildlfie and Fisheries also is expanding into the Delta region of Mississippi. "Though feral hogs are widespread and extremely damaging to natural and agricultural habitats, current knowledge is comparatively limited," Riffell said. "Through studies like these, scientists provide a stronger foundation upon which to base decisions about how to manage the population."