YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Environmental destruction is hog wild in Texas

By Gene Hall

There are many cases in the news of species living where they are not supposed to be. Species like the Burmese pythons, set free in the Florida Everglades, have no natural enemies and thrive. Zebra mussels in Texas lakes also harm the environment.

Another invasive species is the wild or feral hog. The result of domesticated hogs that escaped into the wild, these pests fit every definition of an invasive species. Only humans, with the help of firearms and other tools, are their enemies. And they are thriving. One sow can have as many as three litters per year with a pig count of eight or more.

We’ve seen proposals in recent weeks of chemical control with the predicted outcry that always goes with that. Yet, when it comes to damaging the environment, the hogs are much worse.

They rip up the land, making it more susceptible to erosion. They eat crops, newborn calves and lambs. They feed on ground nesting birds and snakes.

Farmers and ranchers must deal with these destructive pests—and they are desperate.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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