Landowners differ in their opinions of wild pigs

Wild pigs (also known as feral hogs) pose threats to agriculture operations through feeding behaviors and disease transfer to domestic stock. Wild pig management programs are in place through state wildlife agencies, yet... [ view full abstract ]

Wild pigs (also known as feral hogs) pose threats to agriculture operations through feeding behaviors and disease transfer to domestic stock. Wild pig management programs are in place through state wildlife agencies, yet populations continue to expand within many states and into new states and Canadian provinces. Populations in Georgia have been present for several centuries and cause millions of dollars' worth of damage to agricultural crops and other property annually. A mail survey of a random sample of landowners was conducted during 2015 to determine extent of damage, crops impacted, and landowners’ beliefs about wild pigs. The sample of landowners consisted of both farmers and rural (non-farming) landowners. A total of 2,939 surveys were delivered to recipients and 1,109 usable surveys were returned (37.7% response rate). A majority of farmers (57%) observed wild pig damage on their property, whereas a minority (17%) of non-farmers observed damage. Differences in beliefs regarding wild pigs between farming and non-farming landowners were investigated using Pearson’s Chi-square. Farmers had significantly more negative beliefs for statements about disease transmission, environmental damage, and impacts on property. Non-farmers had significantly greater concern about wild pig damage to wildlife populations and habitat. In each of the tests effect size was moderate. Discussion will focus on landownership as a factor in awareness of wild pigs, determining wild pig damage, and support for wild pig management programs.