We are occasionally asked why we have such a strong desire to eradicate wild hogs. Some people see pictures or videos of cute little piglets, either pink and pudgy or fuzzy and dark eyed, and wonder why they are treated so hatefully. I hope this gives those who question our passion a few answers.
Farmers in 39 American states can show you the remains of their field crops, the injury of and diseases spread to their herds, and the huge financial losses they suffer.ย Landowners can share the damage to their trees and land and worry over their pets and family. Conservationists can show evidence of diseases being spread, and damage to indigenous animal populations. Marine biologists can show scientific reports filled with data showing the damage done to water and riparian systems.
This environmental and fiscal damage is all being wrought by an animal that is not native to our land. Various swine breeds have been introduced to North America since early colonial times. During colonization of the United States, many of the old-world swine were allowed to free roam or simply escaped. Having an extremely limited number of natural predators, and a short gestation/high output reproduction cycle, numbers increased. ย Mating between those in the wild created new breeds of now wild swine.
This seemingly perfect storm of events is why we now have an invasive species in the multi-millions wreaking havoc. The terms feral hogs, wild hogs, feral swine, etc. are all names to reference the invasive species we now fight.
What is an invasive species?
According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes).
- Invasive species can be introduced to an area by ship, accidental release, and by people. Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions.
- Invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, destroy biodiversity, and permanently alter habitats.
An “invasive species” is a species that is:
- Non-native to the ecosystem under consideration
- Whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
As professional hog trappers, Hog Cutters uses proven and patented technology that is recognized as the preferential method of hog control. The process of trapping and quick elimination also leads to the least amount of stress on the animal.
Studies have shown that to simply hold the advance of hog numbers and migration to new areas, a minimum of 70% of existing hogs must be eliminated every year. Sadly, we as a nation are not even close.
The cute little piglets may tug at heartstrings. However, seeing the destruction of land and crops, the destruction of land fowl nests and young, native trees being destroyed, and water that our children drink and play in carrying disease and illness causing organisms is no comparison. To see the pain on a farmerโs face as he looks over hundreds of his newly planted acres of crops decimated overnight by a sounder. That is the WHY. These are the reasons we do what we do.
If you have questions, please give us a call. You can also find information on our website at HogCutters.com
