Why it may be impossible to eradicate feral hogs

The U.S. government is spending millions to combat feral hogs, but eradication may be impossible. Feral swine inhabit 35 states, with an estimated population of 7 million in 2016, though that number may have increased due to their rapid breeding cycles. These animals cause between $2.5 billion and $3.4 billion in annual property damage, including crop destruction and environmental harm.

Their spread is facilitated by the fact that they roam across privately owned land, and lack of cooperation among landowners hampers control efforts. A federal program launched in 2018 aimed to encourage private landowners to collaborate in managing feral hog populations, with $75 million allocated for this purpose initially. This program was extended in 2025 with an additional $105 million, and applications for the first $35 million of the extended funding are currently being accepted.

While the program showed a significant reduction in crop damage in corn-producing counties, its effectiveness may have been limited by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and being a pilot program. Nonetheless, the research suggests that with proper design and sustained investment, the federal government can make a meaningful impact on reducing the damage caused by feral hogs.