MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho -- Wildlife managers near Mountain Home are worried that a small population of feral hogs -- or wild pigs -- is growing.
That may not sound like a big deal to many of us, but biologists say these animals can cause problems for land owners, livestock and wild animals.
The first sighting in Idaho happened in 2009. Since then, Idaho Fish and Game and the Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services have worked with a sense of urgency to remove them.
"This is one of the few states that don't have any feral pigs in any numbers," said habitat biologist Robin Holmquist. "The places that have them have weed problems, disease problems, damage to livestock, damage to private property, and so we want to remove them."
Wildlife biologist Scott Stopak says the C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area has had lot of sightings of feral hogs.
Both Holmquist and Stopak say confirming the sightings and finding traces of the hogs is difficult. So knowing exactly how many are in the area is nearly impossible.
"The first 20 or 30 that I believe were captured, shot and removed, those were easy," said Holmquist. "It's that last few, it's just like chasing ghosts out here."
That's why they set up trail cameras that caught pictures of the hogs. It's also why they set up a cage.
"This is called a rooter gate," Stopak said as he demonstrated how a capture device is designed to allow hogs in, but not out. "They're strong enough that they'll actually lift this up wanting in to feed or be with their sounder. Then it closes behind them."
With all the efforts and work going in to eradicating these wild pigs, there is growing fear that the hog population is growing faster than people think.
Biologists say that feral hogs can start breeding at six months old. They can then have three to four litters a year with up to 12 piglets.
Just to maintain current levels, biologists say 70 percent of the population would need to be eradicated.
They say it could be an issue in Idaho for years.
