Feral Hogs are a Destructive and Invasive Species

Destructive Behavior

Picture
Courtesy of the University of Missouri extension
This is called rooting and is just one of the many destructive behaviors of hogs.  The hogs are also both a carrier and vector of many diseases some of which can affect humans.  Some of the diseases they carry are Swine Brucellosis, Pseudo-Rabies, Trichinosis, and Leptospirosis.

Locations

Picture
Courtesy of the University of Missouri extension
This is an excellent map showing where the hogs are in our state.  As you can see they are mostly found in southern Missouri but they are gradually moving north.

Attempts to stop

Picture
Courtesy of texasboars.com
This is a picture of a trap in Texas these are also used here in Missouri.  There is no hog hunting season in Missouri so anyone can hunt them at any time.  Currently the government is trying to decide who should be in charge of this problem.