The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) feral hog strike team has tallied up elimination numbers from January through September 2018.
A news release says, so far, 7,339 feral hogs have been removed by MDC, partner agencies and private landowners. In 2017, 6,561 feral hogs were removed from the landscape.
The highest densities of feral hogs occur south of Interstate 44, with very few feral hog sightings in the north portion of the state. However, 116 feral hogs have been removed in the Kansas City Region and one in the Northeast Region.
Mark McLain, MDC’s feral hog elimination team leader said it’s essential that the public understand why feral hogs must be eliminated.
He says: “Feral hogs are a destructive, invasive species that don’t belong here; they’re not a native species. They out-compete native wildlife for habitat and food. For example, places with a lot of feral hogs will see their wild turkey and deer populations diminish.”
McLain also said feral hogs are known to carry diseases- such as swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, trichinosis and leptospirosis- that could possibly spread to humans, pets and livestock.
To report feral hog sightings or damage, go online to mdc.mo.gov/feralhog.