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| Dangerous |
Coming Up Against
Feral Hogs
How
To Recognize The Signs Of Feral Swine In Your Area
By TCC Team Member Dorraine Fisher
If
you want to talk about monsters in the woods, these guys are a lot scarier than
Bigfoot.
There
are plenty of predators in the woods to watch out for, and feral hogs aren’t
often the first ones you think of when you’re hiking, hunting, or camping. But
you do need to be careful and aware of the signs of these highly dangerous
animals in your area.
First
introduced in America by explorer Hernando De Soto in the 1500’s where they
were allowed
free range around the camps, feral hog
populations are spreading fast. Once only a serious problem in the southern
states, the scourge is now spreading to the northern and western states. It’s
so bad in fact, that individual state governments like Missouri are declaring
war by allowing open season on them most of the year; asking that hunters and
anyone who encounters them to kill them on sight.
According
to the Missouri Department of Conservation a feral hog is: “Any hog, including
Russian and European wild boar, that is not conspicuously identified by ear
tags or other identification, and is roaming freely on public or private land
without the land manager’s or landowner’s permission.”
This is a very broad definition.
Any swine running wild, including abandoned pets and released livestock could
fall under the category of feral swine.
All
swine are highly intelligent and capable of surviving on their own without help
from humans. They are one of the few
domestic animals that can. And here are
some important facts to note:
• Feral hogs are highly adaptable to any terrain,
situation, or climate
• They reproduce rapidly. Females become sexually
mature at 6 months and can birth to a large brood (3-8 piglets) twice a year.
• They have very few natural enemies except
humans. Only young, small hogs are in much danger of predation by other
animals.
• They will eat ANYTHING including worms, lizards,
small mammals, and the young or eggs of ground nesting birds...and YOU if they
get the chance.
Quite
often, farmers, hunters, or hikers don’t know hogs are around until they see
one or discover extensive damage from them. While hunting or hiking private and
public lands that are known for feral swine populations, there are some
telltale signs of occupation:
• Signs of rooting. This looks like an area of
ground has been completely turned over and destroyed by hogs looking for food
under the dirt.
• Nests or bedding areas.
• Rubbing spots on trees or posts.
• Wallowing spots or hollowed spots of mud or dirt
where hogs have been rolling.
But
what do you do if you encounter one face to face?
Underestimating
a hog’s speed and ferocity can be a very deadly mistake. Here are some tips to understanding swine
behavior.
• Dominant males show certain signs of dominant
behavior and aggression; an authoritative gait, head held high, and all the
signs he is poised to stand his ground no matter what. And the size of the hog
doesn’t matter in this case. A dominant small hog can be nearly as dangerous as
a dominant larger one. If he lowers his head and stares you down, he’s ready to
strike if necessary and should be considered VERY dangerous. That is, if he
isn’t already charging in your direction.
• The hog without dominant traits, that stiffens
his legs and appears to lean forward is not so confident, but no less dangerous
if approached. He’s afraid. And a fearful hog, like any other fearful
animal, can be much more dangerous than
a dominant one.
• Beware of a hog that is slobbering. When a hog
poises himself for confrontation, he will pop his jaw which is said to sharpen
his long, pointed cutter teeth. This causes a foaming in his mouth which is a
telltale sign he’s more than ready to fight.
• Be wary if you have the animal cornered. He may
be standing still, assessing the situation. But don’t mistake this behavior for
a surrender. He’s desperate and he’s weighing his options for escape. And he’ll
do anything to accomplish that.
Bottom
line: BEWARE! Feral hogs are among the most dangerous wild animals you’ll
encounter in the woods. Don’t EVER underestimate them. It’s advisable in known
swine-occupied areas to carry a weapon powerful enough to bring a large one
down if necessary. And if you take your dogs with you out there, please consider
their protection too. *******
DF
©The Crypto Crew 2012
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