Invasive Wild Boars in Great Smoky Mountains: Ongoing Battle

Invasive wild boars threaten ecosystems in the Great Smoky Mountains. Since their introduction in 1912, these feral hogs have bred with domestic pigs, creating hybrids that disrupt native wildlife. Park management removes about 275 boars annually through trapping and shooting to protect delicate habitats. Ongoing control efforts include fencing strategies to mitigate their impact.