Residents around Legacy River Parks in Arlington have been dealing with an attack of feral hogs recently.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, feral hogs are invasive animals known to destroy yards and attack animals and humans alike. According to Arlington Animal Services, feral hogs are more rampant around October, as that is when residents usually start calling to report their sightings.
Resident Kevin Simpkins told NBC 5 that the hogs have been rooting up and killing the grass in the area. “They get their tusk and snout and nose under there, and they just peel back the grass supposedly looking for grubs,” he said.
Another resident Therese Bergeon also expressed fear, saying she is usually left wondering if the feral hogs will attack her or her two dogs.
NBC 5 reported that Arlington Animal Services and other agencies are working to curb the growing nuisance and have trapped about ninety hogs since October 2021. However, Arlington Animal Services advised residents to avoid them, warning of the danger of crossing these animals.
“Any animal can be dangerous if you surprise them,” field operations manager Ray Rentschler said. “Especially if they have young ones. But generally, most wildlife when you see them and they know you are there and making loud noises to haze or harass them they are going to take off running,”
Explaining what happens to the feral hogs after they are trapped, Rentschler said that the meat is processed and sold. The proceeds are then used to buy more traps.
If you see a feral hog, you can report here. A map of wildlife locations in Arlington can be found here.