Missouri officials take aim at feral hogs

PIEDMONT, Mo. (AP) - Missouri conservation officials say 165 feral hogs have been removed in the southeastern part of the state as part of an eradication campaign that started this year.

The Department of Conservation says its personnel trapped, snared, ran dogs and used a helicopter to capture the hogs. A half-dozen others were taken by private landowners.

The operations took place in Reynolds, Iron, Wayne, Stoddard and Pemiscot counties.

A feral hog is any hog that is roaming on public or private land and lacks conspicuous ear tags or notches. The animals can carry disease, damage crops and lead to soil erosion and water quality problems.

Officials say Missouri's feral hog population is growing and spreading to new areas. Missouri law prohibits releasing feral hogs and hunting hogs.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.