WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS HEAR STATS ON FERAL HOG MITIGATION

  

Washington County Commissioners heard information today (Tuesday) about the ongoing efforts to address the county’s feral hog population.

Jacob Hetzel of Texas Wildlife Services, a cooperative agency between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, presented statistics on how many feral hogs were removed last year, how many have been removed thus far this year, and the damages the hogs have caused.

Hetzel said the commissioners court has funded feral swine removal efforts for several years, but this is a “never-ending problem” that requires continued mitigation.

According to Hetzel, for Washington County in 2025, 578 feral swine were removed.  The swine caused approximately $132,000 in reported damages.  Of that total was $66,000 in damage to pastures, $52,500 in landscape damage, and $5,000 in damage to water facilities like dams or dikes.  He also cited damage to places like cemeteries and for feed, though no specific dollar amounts were shared.

Since January of this year, around 420 feral swine have been removed.  The hogs have caused about $42,500 worth of damage, including $14,500 to landscaping and $14,000 to pastures.

Hetzel said feral hog activity fluctuates based on the season and the amount of rainfall received.