OVIEDO, Fla. — It's no secret that people can see plenty of wildlife in parts of Central Florida, from deer to alligators and more recently coyotes.
- Golf course dealing with wild pig problem
- Pigs have damaged turf as they search for food
- Wild pigs are considered dangerous
However, Twin Rivers Golf Club in Oviedo has seen a growing population of another wild animal — the wild pig.
The wild pigs were first spotted by the golf course superintendent Scott Hollinger. He has worked on Central Florida golf courses for more than 25 years and has never had a wild pig problem.
"I've learned here is perfect breeding ground for them," Hollinger said. "They have plenty of food and water, and they are protected. That is why they come on to the golf course, at times looking for food, and that is when they become a problem."
Recently, the wild pigs tore up a tee box in the area of the UCF practice facility located in the back of the golf course's driving range. The area disturbed by the wild pigs lifts the ground up, causing what looks like tunnels being carved into the turf.
Wild pigs go rooting when looking for food. The use their nose to dig in the soil in search of underground items, such as roots and insects.
To try and help curtail the wild pig population, Twin Rivers called in some professional help, which set up surveillance and brought along man's best friend.
"They (the tracker) would bring their dogs out in the evening to track their trails and where they were hanging out," Hollinger said. That's when they would start trapping them and pushing them back towards the wetlands."
If you come across a wild pig, you are advised to climb a tree or head in the complete opposite direction. Wild pigs are most dangerous when they are traveling and protecting their young.