Drought adds to hogs' destructiveness

BURNET, Texas (KXAN) - Caroline Bradshaw is still in awe of the destruction left behind by feral hogs, or wild hogs in her Burnet yard last week.

"It is shocking," she said.

The hogs, seeking water in the drought, maneuvered under her white fence and left patches of tossed grass and deep holes.

Some of the holes caused by their snouts range from a few inches deep to a foot.

"This could be very dangerous for little kids running in the yard or even adults walking," Bradshaw added.

Since the hogs invaded her property, Bradshaw has put up barbed wire to keep the hogs out.  So far, she believes it has worked.

But, the damage, likely in the thousands of dollars is done.

"The problem with this grass growing back is that it is now uneven," said Burnet Agriculture Extension Agent Wade Hibler.  "This used to be great St. Augustine Grass that is now ruined ."

Hibler knows other land owners are dealing with the destruction feral hogs cause.  This is prompting Hibler to have the county participate in the 2011-12 Hog Out County Grants Program sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The workshop will focus on things property owners can do to control feral hogs and will include live demonstrations of control devices and tactics.

The workshop starts at 6 p.m. at the Burnet fairgrounds off U.S. 281.

Registration is $10.

It is a cheap price to pay considering how much Bradshaw will have to pay to revive her lawn.

She told KXAN she will be attending the workshop.

Burnet County Extension Agent Wade Hibler can be reached at (512) 756-5463 for more information.