Invasive wild hogs have been wreaking havoc in a quiet neighborhood in Irving, Texas, as residents remain unaware of the transformation of their well-kept yards into pigpens. Homeowner Eric Mendez discovered the issue when he noticed signs of digging in his yard a couple of weeks ago. Concerned, Mendez set up a camera to investigate the mystery, only to be shocked by the sight of a pig captured on the footage.
Mendez’s surveillance efforts revealed not just one rogue pig, but a group of up to ten of varying sizes, some rapidly growing. The City of Irving has taken action by enlisting the help of a contractor to address the pig problem, while locals are devising their own makeshift solutions to deal with the unwelcome visitors.
Despite the nuisance caused by the feral hogs, Mendez has chosen not to resort to lethal measures to resolve the issue in a bid to maintain peace in the neighborhood. “My first thought was, like, well, I can go shoot them,” Mendez shared. “But I’m like, yeah, I’m in a neighborhood. I can’t just go out there and start blasting.”
Instead of using firearms, Mendez has opted for a more humane approach, utilizing a slingshot and clapping two pieces of wood together to scare off the troublesome hogs. These wild pigs engage in a behavior known as “rooting,” where they dig up the ground in search of food or simply for entertainment, as explained by animal experts.
Not only are feral hogs a nuisance due to their destructive rooting habits, but they also pose a threat as prolific breeders. A single sow can give birth to two litters a year, each consisting of six to eight piglets. Moreover, these creatures are known to exhibit aggression towards both humans and pets, further exacerbating the issue and introducing an economic burden to the affected community.
Despite their seemingly cute appearance, feral hogs are anything but harmless, causing significant damage to properties and displaying aggressive behavior. In the state of Texas alone, the annual damage attributed to these wild hogs is estimated to exceed $400 million, as reported by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Nationally, the total damage inflicted by wild hogs amounts to a staggering $1.4 billion, underscoring the severity of the issue.
In a separate incident last November, a disabled man in Houston, Texas, found himself in a harrowing encounter with a pack of wild hogs that had been terrorizing his neighborhood. Carl White, the wheelchair-bound resident, was forced to defend himself using an airsoft gun when one of the aggressive pigs charged towards him in close proximity to his home.
Recalling the intense moment, White described how the pig got dangerously near to him, prompting him to brandish the airsoft gun, causing the animal to retreat. White emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations with wild hogs, as they can become agitated and potentially aggressive
