I live in West Texas and wild hogs are a fact of life. Their size and habits can make significant changes in the countryside. On a recent hike along a county road near my home, I encountered the above scene.

The ground has been disturbed by something. Notice in this image in the bottom right what the grassland looked like before it was rearranged.

In this image you can see the deep tracks of wild hogs that were made when this patch of ground was wet. So, I think it is fair to conclude all the rooting around occurred in damp or muddy soil. Great for the pig’s nose, not so great for the prairie.

Here is another shot showing disturbed ground along a fenceline and what undisturbed pasture should look like on the other side of the fence.

Finally, you can get a sense of how deep these animals will dig in search of food. Also, note the proximity to the county road. These animals can be very destructive to crops and countryside. Their only natural predator is man in these parts. They are an example of a destructive invasive species and what happens when people introduce a species into an ecosystem without consideration of the consequences.

The post Wild Hog Damage To Countryside appeared first on GJM Nature Media.