Page 6 - PGA Community News - January '24

Page 6, PGA C.A.N.! January 2024 January 2024
Northern Notes

Feral Hogs – A Growing natural predators. Bobcats, coyotes
and panthers can prey on smaller
Problem hogs, but man is the most significant
predator of wild hogs.
By Katie Roundtree, They are a destructive, invasive
Director of Finance and species, called by many names,
Administration Northern including wild hogs, wild boars, feral
Palm Beach County swine, or razorbacks. Wild hogs grow
Improvement District to about 3 to 5 feet long and weigh
Feral hogs have been 75 to 250 pounds, but some can be
in Florida since the 1500s, twice as large. Living in groups
when they were initially called sounders, they damage crops,
brought to North America commercial and personal property and
by European explorers and environmentally sensitive land. They
settlers who sailed here have litters of four to eight young
looking for gold and a and can reproduce twice yearly. Feral
western passage to China. They were brought with the swine are muscular and strong and can
settlers on ships as a food source in the New World. Over run up to 30 miles per hour. Like deer
the years, some domesticated hogs got loose and became and domestic pigs, feral swine have
wild/feral. Additionally, Russian boars were introduced cloven hooves. Although wild swine tracks look similar They have also been known to be aggressive toward dogs
to the United States in the 1900s for sport hunting. to deer tracks, they have a blunter tipped toe, and their and other pets.
Interbreeding between escaped domestic pigs and boars tracks have a square shape compared to the pointed heart- The enormous tusks that protrude from the boar’s
has created hybrids with the most robust characteristics shaped tracks of deer. lower jaw are the trademark of the wild boar. Boars use
of each. Wild hogs are found in all 67 Florida counties Hogs are omnivores, meaning they feed on plants and these tusks – which are actually canine teeth – to dig and
and at least 35 states today. Over 500,000 are estimated animals. To feed, they root up the earth with their snouts root for food, but they also can and will use them for
in Florida, with approximately 6 million nationwide. and feet to find plants, grubs and small animals. If the defense.
The wild hog population continues to expand as they soil is soft, depending on the size of the group of hogs, The U.S. Department of Agriculture also writes that
become used to different climates. They are found in they can dig down almost 2 feet and clear one to two feral swine can carry diseases and parasites that may affect
various habitats but prefer oak-cabbage palm hammocks, acres per night. Because they are usually active at night, people, pets, livestock and wildlife. Some diseases, such
freshwater marshes and sloughs, pine flatwoods, and feral swine are less frequently seen during daylight hours, as pseudorabies, are fatal to cats and dogs that may be
open agricultural areas. In addition, they have few particularly in hot, humid climates. It may be easiest to exposed to direct contact with a feral swine carcass.
identify feral swine in your area by looking for signs of The only way to control the population of wild hogs
damage. is through trapping and hunting. Adequate fencing will
Reminder From land and prey on native wildlife, competing with native keep them out of yards and gardens. Wild Hog Scram
Wild hogs can destroy environmentally sensitive
can be spread on the ground to repel hogs and minimize
Palm Beach Gardens species for food and resources. Severe hog-rooting can property damage in areas that cannot be fenced. If you
have a problem with feral hogs near your property, you
cause erosion along lakes and canals, leading to sediment
will want to contact a wildlife trapper for immediate
buildup and increased nutrients that deteriorate water
Police Department quality and increase algae growth. They assist in spreading removal.

invasive plant species with their droppings and providing
NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
Adopt These Habits To germination sites through rooting. or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
Feral pigs are known to be dangerous to people,

Prevent Vehicle Burglaries particularly when they travel in herds with their young. swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
• Please lock your vehicle doors every
time – even for a quick stop or at home.
• Never leave items of any kind inside
your vehicle. Hiding items doesn’t work!
• At a minimum, if you must leave
items, place them in your trunk.
• Cell phone/iPod power cords, GPS
holders and other key sets act as neon
signs.
• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert
and call in any suspicious activities to
the police department nonemergency
number: 799-4445.

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