Texas cities are preparing for trouble as temperatures cool, and it’s coming on four legs. From torn-up lawns to damaged public spaces, feral hogs are becoming an increasingly costly headache. Now, officials in several cities are taking new steps to get the invasive animals under control.
Texas is home to more than 3 million feral hogs, also known as wild pigs, which have spread to 253 of the state’s 254 counties. The animals use their snouts to dig through soil in search of food, tearing up lawns, parks and natural habitats. They can also spread diseases and cause millions of dollars in damage.
In the Houston area, Sugar Land is asking residents to help track the unwelcome visitors before deciding how to deal with them. On Oct. 1, the city launched a 90-day assessment to identify where hogs are living, traveling and causing the most damage.
So far this year, Sugar Land has received 20 reports of feral hog activity, slightly more than in previous years, according to Community Impact. The outlet reported that sightings have largely clustered along the Brazos River and near Sugar Land Regional Airport, citing a city heat map.
The assessment, which runs through Dec. 30, combines residents’ reports with field observations, camera monitoring and information from property owners. Depending on the findings, officials could pursue professional trapping, install fencing at certain access points or coordinate removal efforts with property owners.
Residents can report sightings or damage through the city’s online reporting system, the MySLTX app, by emailing 311@sugarlandtx.gov or by calling 311.
Meanwhile, Laredo is preparing to take a more aggressive approach, potentially deploying drones and professional trappers to tackle its growing hog problem.
Following complaints about damage to neighborhoods and potential threats to residents and pets, the city expects to award a wildlife management contract in November, pending approval.
Under the proposed plan, contractors would first use drones to track where hogs gather and travel. That information would guide the placement of traps on city-owned or controlled property, including drainage areas, public spaces and rights-of-way. Captured hogs would be humanely euthanized by wildlife management professionals.
Field operations are expected to begin approximately 45 to 65 days after the contract is awarded and equipment is available. The city would then evaluate the program over 180 days, tracking the number of hogs captured, costs and overall effectiveness. The program would not cover removal on private property, although residents are encouraged to report sightings through 311.
Another Central Texas community is also searching for answers. In an Oct. 9 update, Caldwell officials acknowledged growing complaints about hogs within and around the city, about 30 miles southwest of Bryan–College Station.
Unlike Laredo, Caldwell has not announced a specific removal program. Officials are consulting wildlife professionals and considering trapping on city-owned land, but say their options are limited by public safety requirements and state regulations. The city cannot conduct unrestricted hunting within city limits or enter private property to remove hogs without permission.