Feral Hog

About the Feral Hog

The Feral Hog is Texas's most successful invader: descendants of escaped domestic pigs and introduced Eurasian boar, now numbering in the millions and found in nearly every county. Smart, fast, and omnivorous, hogs root up fields and bottomlands like living rototillers, causing enormous agricultural damage.

For all the trouble they cause, a close encounter is impressive: a big boar is armored with a thick shield of cartilage and carries self-sharpening tusks. Sows travel in family groups called sounders, and the piglets, striped like watermelons in some wild lines, are undeniably charming.

This hog was photographed at Choke Canyon State Park's Calliham Unit, rooting along the brush line in classic South Texas fashion.