The Science Behind Feral Hog Trapping

Posted on January 27, 2021

Feral hogs are quickly on the rise in the United States and likewise, the problems they cause are also growing. These stubborn creatures are considered the most destructive invasive species which you might be noticing at your facility. With a scientific approach, Environment 360 works with several clients to control their feral hog problem. 

Why does it matter if feral hog population levels are at an acceptable ratio? As property owners and/or managers, concerns regarding feral hogs are not only about safety for your team members but also your property. These animals wreak havoc on native species of grasses and destroy the structural integrity of levees. As omnivores, they consume vegetation, vertebrate, and non-vertebrate animals resulting in eggs and younglings of important wildlife lost to hogs. With the depletion of native species of trees, grasses, and brush, property owners/managers must worry about the erosion of topsoil that destroys all the property’s nutritional worth. These factors play huge roles in commercial land management in industries such as agriculture, waste management, and forestry, which are impacted the most by feral hog damage. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates nearly 2.5 billion dollars of damage are associated with feral hogs yearly.

How does Environmental 360 help facilities reduce the damage done to their property? Trapping is the quickest and most effective way to remove feral hogs. Many trapping mechanisms, like the spring-loaded corral traps and box traps are moderately effective as hogs quickly learn the purpose of the traps and move quickly to escape. Environmental 360’s practice includes setting up corral style traps with gates that are controlled remotely. This allows for the hogs to gain confidence in the space, which promotes entire sounder trappings. Trapping an entire sounder prevents the hogs from learning the danger of the trap. This allows for a continuous rotation of trapping sounders which leads to less chance of reproduction and, ultimately, a lower population density.

Hogs do what is easiest to survive, so our team ensures traps are continuously stocked with food and vegetation to lure the animals. Hog patterns also change as the seasons change. For example, in hotter months, hogs try to stay cool, so they spend most of their energy looking for food during the early morning hours or at night. Continuous observational practices such as trail cameras and visual scouting provide great insight into trap location. For our hog trapping clients, we monitor the on-site cameras and perform regular in-person check-ins to ensure as many hogs are trapped as possible. We also make sure the animals are handled with the most humane ability possible.  Trapping, aerial operations, and hunting are crucial to reducing the population of feral hogs. If you are interested in learning more about how Environmental 360 can assist your facility with its hog population, please contact us here.


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