Feral Hog and Beaver Management Workshop
November 9, 2011
Wildlife experts and natural resource managers from across the state gathered at Tri-County Electric on November 9 to discuss control measures for feral hogs and beavers.
Feral hogs (also known as wild hogs, pigs, or swine) are a non-native, invasive species first introduced to the United States in 1539. In South Carolina, feral hogs are common in flood plains from the Sandhills to the coast, and isolated populations are present in the Piedmont and mountains. Feral hogs pose a serious natural resource concern, contributing to soil compaction and erosion, water contamination, crop damage, the destruction of native plant communities, and the spread of disease.
Beavers, large native furbearing rodents, create habitats that are beneficial to many wildlife species. However, beavers’ damming activities often directly conflict with the economic interests of landowners and agriculturists, as well as with infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Control measures for both species were addressed at this workshop sponsored by the Richland, Calhoun, Orangeburg, and Bamberg SWCDs. Use the links below to explore the information presented by the experts, and contact the RSWCD at 803-576-2080 with any further questions.
Documents
Workshop Agenda
Presentation: SC State Laws and Regulations, Jay Butfiloski, SCDNR
Presentation: Living With (and Without) Beavers, Charles Davis, Clemson Extension
Presentation: Biology and Negative Impacts of Feral Hogs, Greg Yarrow, Clemson University
Presentation: Harvest Trends and Distribution of Feral Hogs, Charles Ruth, SCDNR
RSWCD Affiliate Membership
Links
Wildlife Control Operators Referral List (SCDNR)
State Custom Exempt Meat Processing Establishments (Clemson)
Beaver in South Carolina (SCDNR)
Feral Hog Information (SCDNR)
Wildlife Damage Management: Feral Swine (USDA-APHIS)
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage