Moore, Tuberville, Britt Introduce Bills to Combat Feral Hogs

U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-AL1) has introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act in the House of Representatives, aiming to extend and enhance efforts to control the destructive impact of feral hogs on agriculture and ecosystems across Alabama and the nation.

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Katie Britt (R-AL) have introduced the companion bill in the Senate. This bipartisan support underscores the widespread concern over the feral swine problem across multiple states.

It’s estimated that there are six million feral hogs across the United States. Feral swine are an invasive species known for their destructive foraging behavior, which leads to significant agricultural and ecological damage. Nationwide, these animals are responsible for an estimated $2.5 billion in damages annually, affecting crops, livestock, and natural habitats. The estimated yearly damage in Alabama is some $50 million.

The legislation would reauthorize and make permanent the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP), initially established under the 2018 Farm Bill. The FSCP is administered jointly by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and has implemented targeted strategies such as trapping, removal, and land monitoring to mitigate feral swine damage. These efforts have shown measurable success in reducing the presence and impact of feral hogs in affected areas.

"Feral swine have caused millions of dollars in damage on agricultural operations across Alabama and can undo years of hard work on Alabama's farms, ranches and forests toward feeding our country," said Rep. Moore. "I am standing with Alabama farmers to take action against this threat by authorizing an eradication pilot program with proven results, with changes to make it even more effective."

“Feral swine are a serious threat to the livelihoods of Alabama’s farmers. Feral hogs destroy crops, land, and undo months, if not years, of work by our farmers to feed our country,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Feral swine cause an estimated $50 million in damages annually to Alabama. Despite eradication efforts, the pigs are still running rampant throughout the South. And so today, I’m standing with Alabama farmers and taking action to fight back against this threat.”

“I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s incredible farmers, including by addressing the devastating economic and environmental impacts of feral swine.  The Feral Swine Eradication Act would establish a permanent program to eliminate this threat,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m proud to introduce federal legislation to help mitigate the estimated $50 million in agricultural damage caused in our state each year and protect the livelihoods of farmers who continue to feed and clothe our nation.”

If enacted, the Feral Swine Eradication Act would not only continue the existing FSCP initiatives but also enhance them by requiring continued monitoring of areas from which feral swine have been eradicated, to prevent reinfestation. This proactive approach aims to protect agricultural producers and preserve natural ecosystems from the ongoing threat posed by feral hogs.

For more information on the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, visit the USDA NRCS website HERE.

The full text of the Senate bill is HERE. For more information on feral hos attacks, and how to avoid injury or death from an attack, see HERE.