Hog damage in meadow inside Cataloochee Valley GSMNP It appears like someone tilled up a large section of the meadow.


Biologists are attempting to get a handle on a growing problem in the park of hogs and the illegal stocking outside of the park maybe contributing to the problem.

Park biologist Bill Stiver told the Knoxville News-Sentinel the introduction of wild, semi-domesticated hogs into the park has made hog control even more difficult.
“The speculation is that hunters are illegally releasing feral pigs that eventually make their way inside the park,” Stiver said. “It’s a major problem not just here, but all over North America.”
He said numerous hogs killed this year had spotted markings and curly tails associated with domestic pigs.
“We’re getting a handful of animals that morphologically look different from our traditional wild boar,” Stiver said. “Some of them act different, too. Instead of running away, they let you walk up to them.”

Citizen Times

The last few times I’ve been in the park I’ve seen the damage the hogs are doing but I’ve never seen a hog in the park. While they maybe nocturnal there is no mistaking the signs they leave behind. While hunting and trapping is the best method to control hogs the National Parks historically will rarely allow hunting except for “professional hunters” (individuals hired by the government) which irks me because a limited draw hunt would pay for itself if not make some money for the park. Also it is not clear what is done with the animals after they are killed if it was a limited draw hunt they would be table fare for sure. There is ample evidence from hunts conducted in urban areas as well as county / state parks that such hunts can be conducted safely.
On the topic of releasing hogs into the wild I’m dumbfounded that folks would do this knowing the damage these critters can cause. Hogs are some of the most destructive animals that you can find and with all the areas that are having trouble with them why release any more?

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