how to identify feral hog signs and tracks

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How To Identify Feral Hog Signs

Feral Hog Rooting shown along a Hay Field

Signs of Hogs Rooting

Feral Hogs do millions of dollars of damage every year to crops and private property as well as endangering Wildlife and Human Health. To Farmers and Ranchers as well as Wildlife Sanctuaries Feral Hogs have become their #1 Enemy even topping the dreaded Fire Ants. Feral Hogs can Kill and devour Livestock as well as young Deer, Quail and other wildlife. Feral Hogs compete for available Food Sources often leaving domestic and wild animals to search out new food sources or simply do without which often causes a dramatic decrease in Deer and other Wild Game Habitat. Being able to identify Wild Hog Signs is crucial for any Trapper or Hunter wanting to bag a Wild Hog. When stalking or trapping Wild Hogs always remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times and always use caution when approaching Trapped Hogs or freshly taken Hogs.

Hog Tracks

Being able to spot and identify Hog Tracks has to be the #1 most important tool any Hunter or Trapper needs to know in order to be successful. To a seasoned Hunter or Trapper, Hog Tracks, Paths and Trails contain a multitude of information on the Feral Hog population for any given area. Hog Tracks can tell the general size of the Hogs using any given Trail or Path as well as telling what direction the Hog or Hogs are traveling. Hogs Hoofs are rounded in the back and pointed toward the front making it very easy to tell which way a Hog is traveling.

Close inspection of the Hog Hoofs will help Hunters and trappers alike to identify Hog Tracks. Hog Tracks are very distinct when compared to Deer or any other Hoofed Animal. The picture to the left is a Hogs Front Hoof, the picture to the right is of a Hogs Rear Hoof.

Hog Paths and Trails tell a story all their own. Well worn Paths and trails like the one shown to Feral Hog Trails can tell an observant trapper or hunter what size Hogs are travling in any given area. the right indicate that Hogs are traveling this trail often. The obvious lack of vegetation tells us that this path is very well traveled and most likely traveled by several Hogs due to the paths width and variation in Hog Track sizes.

Hog Rubs

The above pictures are what is referred to as a "Hog Rub". The discolored areas on the trees is actually mud from Hogs rubbing themselves against the tree after wallowing in a mud hole. Hogs cover themselves in mud to try and keep Ticks and other insects from feasting on them. The mud is not 100% effective though and the Hogs look for something to scratch and rub their uninvited guest off on. Hair from the Hogs can often be found imbedded in the mud.

Hog Rooting

Close Inspection of a Hogs Nose/ Snout as well as the Cutters or Tusks are what enables a Hog to Root and Trench the soil. A Hogs Snout acts a shovel and can often times be seen very distinctly in muddy or soft moist ground. Hog Rooting can often be anywhere from just a few inches deep to holes that measure 2 to 3 feet deep or more and 4 to 5 feet in diameter.

Close inspection of wallows and rooting can set a time line of when the Hogs were in the area. Smell of fresh earth is an obvious sign the rooting is fresh. Green grass and small green plants that are still visible also tell the Hunter or Trapper that Hogs have been in the area within just a few hours.

Feral Hog Rooting closely resembles a freshly plowed field.

Hogs are not the only animals that root and tear up the ground looking for More Feral Hog Rooting in field insects and tender vegetation. Often times rooting from Armadillos and Possums are mistaken for Feral Hogs. That is why it is a must to be able to identify Hog Tracks, Rooting and other signs of Feral Hogs.

Hog Feces (Scat/Hog Poop)

Fearal Hog Feces

Pic 1. Pic 2. Pic 3. Pic 4.

All of the above pictures are Hog Feces. A Hogs diet can affect the shape as well as texture and color of the feces. ( Pic 1. Feces contains some Corn as well as Seeds, feces is several days old. Pic 2. Light green color indicates almost 100% vegetation diet, this is about as fresh as it gets . Pic 3. Hog Feces contains some berries as well as seeds. Pic 4. Hog Feces contains roots as well as berries and various vegetation, feces is 2 to three days old.

Feral Hog Scat or Hog Poop is a sure fire sign that Wild Hogs Have been visiting and are living in the area. Often times when scat is present in large quantities, a bedding area may be very close by. Close inspection of fresh Hog Scat can also tell a hunter or trapper exactly what the Hog has been eating. Small bits and pieces of yellow indicate the Hog has been eating Corn often times off Deer Feeders located in the area. Grains, Seeds and Berries can tell a hunter or trapper exactly where the Hogs are feeding and locating the Grain, Berries or Seeds source can be used to your advantage in stalking or setting a trap.

Pro-Trapper Hog Trap Systems

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