Feral Hogs
Safety Tips
To report feral hog activity online, use the myMesquite customer service platform, or call Animal Services at 972-216-6283. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. Mesquite Animal Services is unable to trap or remove feral hogs, however Staff does track calls and upon request may meet with residents to educate regarding deterrents and resource options and visit to investigate areas for damage caused and relay information to Texas Parks and Wildlife for possible intervention.
- Avoid walking through dense undergrowth where feral hogs may be encountered. This is especially true in the spring when mother pigs may be protective of their litters.
- If you see a feral hog, do not approach. Return the way you came or detour the area. Do not corner the animal.
- Keep pets confined to securely fenced areas. Walk dogs on leash and keep cats indoors.
- In forested areas known to have feral hogs, keep dogs securely leashed.
- In many cases, if feral hogs are seen from a safe distance, you may be able to wait until they have left the area of their own accord before proceeding.
- Sturdy fences discourage hogs from foraging on private property. Lawns and gardens of homes in wooded areas near creek beds are especially attractive to the hogs.
- Grub worms are a favorite snack for feral hogs. Treating your lawn for grub worms will prevent damage from hogs and other wildlife.
- Motion activated security lights and sprinklers may also act as a deterrent.
Description: Feral hogs are free-ranging versions of domestic pigs that escaped from farms in times past and can vary in color and appearance. Unlike other large nuisance wildlife, they are not native to North America. Some can weigh over 400 pounds although most are 200 pounds or less. Like dogs, they have keen hearing and smell. In Texas, the number of feral hogs have in-creased, sometimes presenting problems for property owners.
Family groups called “sounders” usually comprised of two females (sows) and young pigs often travel together. Males (boars) usually travel alone. All adult hogs can be very dangerous if cornered.
Habitat: Feral hogs adapt to locations where there is sufficient food, water and cover, but prefer bottomlands and other wetlands near oak forests. In populated areas, they are attracted to protected, forested areas with water-ways to provide easy travel routes.
Diet: Feral hogs are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal foods. Acorns and other nuts are favorites. They will root through the soil for tasty plant roots, bulbs and insects. Small animals, bird eggs and young livestock are also food sources. In the city, they are attracted to bird feeders, gardens and lawns and our plentiful oak groves.
For more information, click here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/nuisance/feral_hogs/