Feral Hog Disaster in Texas. opus 843
| 22 May 2026 1300 Hours | | Conservation, Biology, Environment, Ethics, Farming, Mammalogy, Zoology |
Texas has an increasing feral hog problem,
With 3 to 4 million pigs now living there.
They cause hundreds of millions of dollars in crop damage
And, just like coyotes, they are moving into suburban areas.
(Of course, it is also a result of our own successful reproduction!)
A few years ago, eradication began with a feral pig pesticide.
Naturally, this decision is controversial among environmental groups.
Expectedly in Texas, the pesticide is called 'Kaput Feral Hog Lure.'
It is a modified rodenticide or modified rat poison.
Opponents are concerned it is both inhumane
And could affect other animals, even killing them.
Despite the population explosion, there seems to be no other way.
Trapping, shooting, and aerial gunning have not been effective.
So far, the numbers have not decreased significantly.
In every farm use of rodenticides I have attempted over the years,
It seems to do little; how and where to apply it was always a problem.
(See my followup called 'Using a Poison on Texas Feral Pigs.')