TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY BORDER (WKRN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife will begin the annual effort to reduce the feral swine population at the Land Between the Lakes this week.
On Monday, the agencies will use bait trapping and aerial operations to capture and euthanize feral hogs, which are a non-native species that threatens visitors to natural areas and affect native plant and wildlife species. This year, a helicopter equipped with forward looking infrared technology will help the search for swine and likely increase the removal operation’s efficiency.
“Feral hogs have become a challenge for all of us who care about Land Between the Lakes. They can harm the land and wildlife we enjoy, so we’re working together with our partners to manage the problem in a responsible way,” Jim McCoy, Area Supervisor at Land Between the Lakes, said. “This is a team effort, and we’re thankful for everyone’s support in helping keep this area healthy and welcoming for visitors and neighbors alike.”…