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BackroundOriginating in Southeast Asia and Spanish countries, the boar is now native to North America. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in their population. There are an estimated six million wild pigs across the nation, but an estimated three million are located in Texas alone. Forty-five of the United States are home to wild pigs. Boars, also known as Wild Swine, Feral Pigs, or Razorbacks, are most commonly known for sport and hunting. These pigs have a long history of association and interaction with humans. It has a high adaptability rate and can adjust and flourish in various settings. The average lifespan of the boar is four to eight years. They are known for having a keen sense of smell, sensing odors up to 5-7 miles away; they can even detect an odor 25 ft under the ground. Once they have tracked down their dinner for the night, they are not picky! When wild pigs swine and dine, I mean wine and dine, they eat any and everything. Being omnivores, they devour meat and vegetation. Luckily, they can run off all those calories. These nocturnal creatures can run up to 30mph!
Fun Fact: The wild pig is popular in the Ozarks, therefore, giving the Arkansas Razorbacks their mascot! |
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habitat
Wild pigs can adapt to a wide range of terrain. However, they thrive in vegetation-dense areas and near a water source. Boars can be found in grasslands, rainforest, deciduous forests, and taiga. They tend to reside near low-shrubbery in these areas, an easy food source for them. They often use the nearby water source to not only drink, but to bath. Their environment impacts their food choices as well. Board eat roughly 90% vegetation from their surroundings, and only 10% meat. When animal control becomes involved, we make sure the wild pigs are released back into an ideal habitat and environment.
benefitsBacon. No seriously, one of the main benefits of this animal is that it provides a meat source to humans. Their meat is protein-rich and has high nutritional value. For example, their meat is a heart-healthy option, providing a high count of Omega-3’s fatty acids. It is a healthy alternative to fish oil. The resale value of their meat is high, too. Boar’s Head deli products are one of the top in the nation.
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boar problemsWhenever pigs are present, they pose a problem. If a boar is found on your property, wild animal control needs to be contacted. They pose a high risk to you or your pets health. These creatures have a plethora of problems they bring:
First, wild pigs are a host to over 20 different parasitic worm species. These parasites can infect humans and cause gastrointestinal problems, very similar to exposure to e-Coli. Their skin is commonly filled with ticks and hog lice. These two can easily transfer to another animal or a human. Due to enjoying being near a water source, they spread these through actual physical contact but also from being in the water. Their filth washes off into the water and onto other animals, or humans depending on the location, and spreads like wildfire. It often leads to bacterial contamination and turbidity (excessive particle and silt suspension). On some occasions, wild pig feces in water increased the coliform levels and caused health problems to humans. Additionally, blood-sucking flies loom around wild pigs. These insects, along with the actual swine, are known to spread the epidemic we all known as the Swine Plague. They have also been known to contribute to Foot and Mouth Disease. |
Lastly, the boar is currently North America’s most destructive and invasive species. Due to being able to survive in diverse habitats, they are able to invade and dominate an area. These pigs have distorted ecosystems due to pushing out other animals in a particular area. Boars have also terrorized people in national parks and recreational areas, causing economic damage. In Texas alone, pigs cause $400 million in damage annually. Soil damage is one of the most common contributors to that number. Rooting, wallowing, and trampling activities done by the pigs cause agricultural problems. They compact the soil, which in turn disrupts the water infiltration and nutrient cycling. Pest control and wild animal control get involved to help save these agricultural-based lands. Wild pigs, too, prey on the livestock. See below for catch and release practices by pest and animal control.
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Catching by wild animal control texas
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