State Refuges to Close to Trap Feral Hogs

State Refuges to Close to Trap Feral Hogs

Posted: Aug 20, 2012 10:39 AM by AP

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - Parts of two national refuges in southwest Louisiana will close next week so professionals can trap and kill feral hogs.

Wildlife biologist Rob "Goose" Gosnell says that the hogs tear up the marsh, root up muskrat mounds, and eat alligator eggs.

Gosnell says it's hard to control feral hogs. They can breed about three times a year, with up to six piglets per litter surviving.

This year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has $1.3 million to control feral hogs in several southeastern states. Gosnell said professional gunners shoot hogs from a helicopter and information from cameras placed around the refuge is used to set traps.

Closures will be Tuesday and Thursday at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, and Wednesday at the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

Good post.