Laredo Approves Feral Hog Control Contract

City Council cleared the last step to hire a contractor for a program targeting feral hogs that have damaged property in Laredo neighborhoods.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Wildlife

Dry South Texas creek bed with mesquite scrub, a metal feeder station by a shallow pool, and a small drone hovering above the brush in warm late light. — Laredo City Council approved the final step to hire a contractor for a feral hog control program targeting animals that have damaged property across the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Laredo City Council approved the final step needed to hire a contractor to manage the city's feral hog program. The city is purchasing equipment that will remain in municipal possession after the contract ends.

Why it matters

Residents have reported thousands of dollars in repeated property damage, and hogs have damaged holiday decorations in neighborhoods. The problem has become one of a councilmember's most frequent constituent complaints, with residents saying they are afraid to walk or run in their neighborhoods during early morning or nighttime hours.

The first-year budget totals about $400,000, with roughly $200,000 each for equipment and professional wildlife management services, and $175,000 allocated for equipment. The city hopes to significantly reduce the hog population during the first year, but the source does not give a baseline population count.

The players

Laredo City Council

The governing body of Laredo, Texas, which approved the final step to hire a contractor for the feral hog program.

The details

City staff are using drones and infrared technology to identify areas of hog activity and are preparing bait sites before the equipment arrives. The program will initially focus on areas where hog activity has been most severe, including parks, public land and water sources.

Late November or early December 2026: targeted start of the new feral hog control program.
Within two to four weeks: expected arrival of program equipment.
Within 30 to 60 days: expected program launch window.
Before Christmas 2026: program could begin if remaining steps stay on schedule.
First year of the program: city aims to significantly reduce the hog population.

Seasonal Patterns

Laredo's contracted hog-control program follows a pattern seen across Texas cities confronting feral hog damage, shifting from resident complaints toward municipal contracts with professional wildlife managers. The city's approach of buying equipment that stays in municipal hands reflects a move toward longer-term infrastructure rather than one-time removal efforts.

Laredo residents dealing with hog damage to yards and holiday decorations can expect targeted hog removal in parks, public land and water-source areas once the program launches. Those who walk or run in affected neighborhoods during early morning or nighttime hours may see the most direct change in day-to-day safety.

The takeaway

Residents facing hog damage should document property losses and report sightings to the city as the program prepares to launch. Staying aware of early-morning and nighttime hog activity can reduce personal risk while the program is being set up.

What happens next

The program is expected to begin within 30 to 60 days, with equipment arriving within two to four weeks, and could start before Christmas 2026 if remaining steps stay on schedule.