A family of wild hogs were spotted earlier this week in Covington Estates. What appears to be a family of wild hogs, with two little ones and two adults, were spotted in the early morning on Eastwyck Drive. They were in a side yard of a house but close enough to the road to clearly see them.
Wild hogs sightings are not uncommon in Hillsborough’s populated areas. Florida has between half a million and 1 million wild hogs, said Gary Morse, a spokesman for the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Wild hogs are common in just about every place in the state they can exist,” Morse said.
Wild hogs generally avoid humans and are not considered dangerous to people or pets. But, they do possess great speed and razor-like tusks. Wild hogs may become aggressive and defensive if injured, cornered, trapped, have young or are otherwise threatened.
Wild hogs can destroy a lawn or landscape over night while rooting around for grubs and food. Attempts to prevent wild pigs from coming onto property are usually futile, but adequate fencing can help keep them out of small yards and gardens. Concerns about wildlife such as wild hogs, alligators, panthers and other wildlife should be directed to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
