Land Managers’ Feral Hog Management Practices Inventory in Florida

Abstract

Early explorers and settlers brought hogs with them to Florida. Many of these animals escaped from captivity and established feral populations. Current estimates indicate that the population of feral hogs may exceed 500,000 in Florida. Unfortunately, feral hogs have proven to be difficult to manage. The UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension conducted a feral hog management practices survey to determine what practices are being undertaken by public and private natural areas managers. Results showed that land managers struggle with feral hog damage they deem to be moderate to severe. Hunting and trapping strategies have been used. Current control strategies have resulted in marginal
success. One-fourth of the land managers surveyed indicated total failure to manage feral hogs.