Wild pigs, also known as feral swine or wild hogs, are among the most widespread invasive species in the world. Their distribution across private and public lands in the state of Georgia and other southeastern U.S. states frequently leads to conflicts. Although some people view wild pigs as a nuisance, non-native species. Others consider them to be a valuable wildlife resource. These differing viewpoints can lead to different, and sometimes conflicting, management practices by private landowners. This study will build upon a 2015 survey conducted by Dr. Michael Mengak. We aim to understand Georgia landowners’ knowledge and perceptions of wild pigs and their resulting management practices through a survey distributed to private landowners in Georgia. With this project we hope to provide updated insight into Georgia landowners’ needs to assist management agencies in allocating resources for wild pig management on private lands.

Hero Image Credit: Billy Higginbotham, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org