New tools take aim at a growing threat
Wildlife officials are stepping up efforts to control an expanding feral hog population on protected land along the Tennessee-Kentucky border. At Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, agencies are rolling out a mix of baited traps and aerial operations designed to locate and humanely euthanize the animals through February.
Using infrared cameras, crews can spot hogs by their heat signatures, allowing specialists to track entire groups and remove them more efficiently. The approach is meant to target the animals precisely while limiting disruption to the surrounding environment.
A coordinated response to protect land and wildlife
The operation is being carried out by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with wildlife agencies from both Kentucky and Tennessee. Officials say the collaboration is essential, given the scale of the problem and the sensitive nature of the protected area.
“Feral hogs have become a real challenge for everyone who cares about this place,” said Land Between the Lakes area supervisor Jim McCoy. “They damage the land and threaten native wildlife, so we’re working together to address the issue responsibly and keep the area healthy for visitors and nearby communities.”
Why feral hogs are so hard to control
Feral hogs are an escalating problem across much of the United States. Originally brought over by early explorers and later introduced for hunting, their numbers exploded as natural predators disappeared. Highly adaptable and fast-breeding, the animals can travel in large groups, tear up ecosystems, and cause extensive agricultural damage — estimated at $1.5 billion each year nationwide.
At Land Between the Lakes, traditional hunting is not a simple solution. Kentucky bans wild boar hunting to prevent intentional releases, while Tennessee limits where hogs can be hunted. As a result, officials rely on trapping and euthanasia. Previous efforts removed more than 1,400 hogs, and authorities hope the enhanced tactics will deliver even better results this time around.
