Wild hogs, introduced to Florida by Spanish settlers in the 1500s, have spread to at least 35 states, leading to concerns about a “feral swine bomb” due to their rapidly growing population.

These invasive pigs pose significant threats to agriculture by damaging crops, particularly corn, and could also introduce a deadly disease that threatens the U.S. pork industry.

As urban development encroaches on wild lands, the likelihood of garden damage and rare attacks on humans increases.

John Mayer, a research scientist at the Savannah River National Laboratory, emphasizes that lethal removal is currently the only effective solution, noting that pig-proof fences are not feasible, the Tampa Bay Times has reported.

States like Florida and Texas, facing severe feral hog issues, have encouraged hunting with minimal restrictions, allowing year-round hunting using helicopters, drones, and machine guns.

However, some question whether this aggressive approach is excessive, particularly where wild hogs are a crucial food source.

Written by B.C. Begley