The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources announced that1,802 wild pigs were recently removed from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service.
Helicopters surveyed the Kentucky-Tennessee area with thermal imagining and used aerial removal equipment to reduce the pig population. According to the department, the wild pig population decreased by around 90%.
The removal efforts took place between January and March, and they focused on female pigs who travel in groups called sounders. The department is committed to eradicating all wild pigs in LBL and across Kentucky.
The department shared that reducing the wild pig population helps protect native wildlife, conserve habitats and preserve outdoor recreation opportunities. When hunting season rolls back around, folks should see improved deer and turkey hunting conditions through LBL.
Photo courtesy of squealonpigs.com