CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After months of helicopter operations at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says that aerial wild pig removal operations have successfully eradicated 1,802 wild pigs from the Kentucky-Tennessee area.
This process was done in conjunction with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, also known as APHIS. The process occurred this year between January and March, utilizing helicopters that were equipped with thermal imaging technology along with aerial removal equipment. A previous news release from LBL says the animals are pursued by helicopters, trapped and euthanized.
“The focus was primarily on female pigs, which travel in groups called sounders, that are easier to locate from the air than lone individuals,” said a public statement from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “With wild pig numbers greatly reduced, hunters should see improved opportunities for deer and turkey hunting throughout LBL! Reducing wild pig populations helps protect native wildlife, conserve habitat, and preserve outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations.”
Additional surveying was done after the removal process this year, which showed an estimated 90% decrease in wild pigs in the area.
The Squeal on Pigs website encourages people to report feral swine sightings since they are a “destructing and invasive” species. They are known from causing billions of dollars in damages and control costs each year as they damage native ecosystems and spread disease.
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