As hogs have become more widespread and their populations increase, conflicts between hogs and people will also be on the rise. Hogs can impact humans in several ways. They can damage natural resources, damage crops, spread disease, damage forests, and cause vehicle collisions.
Hogs can have a variety of impacts on native wildlife. Their actions can directly or indirectly harm many different species. Some of the ways they impact wildlife are obvious, such as predation. Other ways are less noticeable but can have far greater consequences.
Hogs are mostly herbivores, meaning most of their diet consists of plants. This means they will directly compete with other animals that also feed on plants. Their diet overlaps with a variety of well-known native species. Their ability to reproduce rapidly and their keen sense of smell makes them very good at taking over resources. Hogs will also deter other animals from accessing a resource. Hogs have been known to be territorial and will drive out other species. Their diet often includes acorns, which are a valuable resource for white-tailed deer.
Large boar interacting with a raccoon. (Photo by Andrew Jamison)
Wild hogs will feed on just about anything. This means they will not turn down an opportunity to feed on another animal if given the opportunity. Their diet is predominately plant material, but they have been observed feeding on a variety of animals too. They are considered nest predators for ground nesting birds and sea turtles. They will eat the eggs of these animals or even the young animals themselves. They have also been recorded destroying turkey nests. Other species that live in the leaf litter may also end up in a hog's stomach even if it was not intentional.
Hogs can destroy habitats by rooting, wallowing, trampling, or tusking. Some of these habitat types are very fragile and the presence of hogs could lead to their destruction. Hogs can also impact streams and rivers. They can erode the banks and they defecate in the water, which can contaminate sources of water. Hogs are also disruptive to the natural processes in the soil because they disturb the soil below the surface when they root.
Pig rooting damage in a food plot in Greenwood County, SC. (Photo by Andrew Jamison)
Crop damage is an important factor when considering the management of hogs. They will destroy crops by trampling them, rooting around in fields, and directly feeding on the crops. The amount of damage usually depends on the type of crops and the amount of hogs in an area. They can also damage machinery used for farming. Hogs commonly target corn, peanuts, soybeans, sorghum, wheat, and rice.Estimates of damage caused by hogs can vary. In 2016, one study estimated the damages to crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, sorghum) in 11 southeastern states to be $190 million per year.
Damage to young pines caused by pigs in McCormick County, SC. (Photo by Andrew Jamison)
Wild hogs are mainly a threat to livestock because they can transmit diseases. This can lead to increased veterinary costs and even the loss of animals if they encounter a hog. Their impact on livestock in the United States is still somewhat unknown. Hogs will also target feed that is stored for livestock.
Hogs are also a threat to residential areas. Areas adjacent to suitable wild hog habitat may experience hog damage in yards or gardens. Hogs will consume home-garden crops and trample ornamental plants. They will also root up grass and damage young trees. Wild hogs may also damage fences. This can be costly to repair for homeowners and may lead to pets escaping. Hogs in areas with a lot of human activity are also a threat to people operating vehicles. Vehicle collisions with hogs can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Hogs also present a threat to pets, as they may attack pets. If hogs are in an area, dogs should be under close observation. Some dogs will chase animals and a hog could harm, or even kill, a dog. They may also attack humans, though it is rare for a hog to attack anything unprovoked. If a hog is cornered, wounded, or threatened it may attack. They are powerful animals, and they have sharp tusks. Caution is advised if a hog is encountered.
Damage done by pigs in neighborhood near Charleston. (Photo by Amanda Hashem)
Wild hogs can be a threat to humans in a variety of ways. They may be a direct threat to people through attacks. Attacks are uncommon and often occur when the animal is provoked. However, there are some reported cases of unprovoked attacks. Fatalities from hog attacks are uncommon, but they can happen. Wild hogs are large animals that have a sharp set of tusks that they can use. While hogs tend to flee when confronted, it is advised to use caution around them. Hogs may also threaten humans through diseases. These diseases can be from parasites, viruses, or bacteria. When handling a hog, it is advised that gloves are worn. Hogs can also be hit on roadways, causing considerable damage to the vehicle and potentially the person in the vehicle.
Sounder of pigs crossing a road. (Photo by Natural Graphics Photography)
