Feral hogs labeled South Carolina ecological zombies

A Clemson University study found that feral hogs are a $115 million problem for the state’s agriculture.  This is the first time a comprehensive dollar figure has been attached to the ecological and industry damages caused by wild hogs that produce rapidly and are growing in numbers.  They are ecological zombies.  They eat everything, according to Shari Rodriguez, report author and assistant professor.  The hogs prey on wildlife and livestock and consume large amounts of agricultural crops and seeds, sprouts and seedlings.  They can also spread diseases that can spread to humans.  Colleton County farmer Randy Ulmer once caught 22 feral hogs in one trap, but trapping is less successful this year because the hogs have had an ample food supply.  According to Ulmer, they have been eating rotten peanuts that could not be harvested following the historic flood of 2015.  Extension agent Marion Barnes would like to see feral hogs eradicated.