TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY BORDER — State and federal agencies are launching their annual effort to reduce the feral hog population at Land Between the Lakes, officials announced.
Beginning Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will work alongside the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The operation will use bait trapping and aerial methods to capture and euthanize feral hogs, a non-native species that poses risks to visitors and causes damage to native plants and wildlife.
This year’s effort will include the use of a helicopter equipped with forward-looking infrared technology, which officials say will improve the ability to locate hogs and increase the efficiency of removal operations.
“Feral hogs have become a challenge for all of us who care about Land Between the Lakes,” said Jim McCoy, area supervisor at Land Between the Lakes. “They can harm the land and wildlife we enjoy, so we’re working together with our partners to manage the problem in a responsible way. This is a team effort, and we’re thankful for everyone’s support in helping keep this area healthy and welcoming for visitors and neighbors alike.”
Feral hog reduction efforts at Land Between the Lakes began in 2014 through a partnership between APHIS and the USDA Forest Service. While early efforts significantly reduced the population, they did not eliminate it entirely. Last year, aided in part by a longer operational period, agencies reduced the feral swine population by 1,445 animals.
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