If you’ve ever had problems with wild pigs, or ever wondered what to do if you ever ran into such a situation, The Kershaw County Soil and Water Conservation District has answers to those questions.

The District will host a Feral Hog Workshop class Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kershaw Count School District Administrative Office. The class is free but space is limited to 65 attendees.

According to the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources, the term "wild pigs" refer to both feral hogs, which are domestic swine that have escaped captivity and wild boars, which are native to Eurasia but were introduced to North America to interbreed with feral hogs. Currently, they can be found throughout the southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida, and scattered populations can be found almost anywhere in the U.S.

Generally, they prefer dense brush or marsh vegetation, but can be found in a variety of habitats, according to SCDNR. They usually are found in areas below the snowline and above freezing temperatures. While they tend to prefer mast-producing hardwood forests, they can and do feed in conifer forests and they will frequent livestock production areas. They are omnivorous and can prey on other species as well as eat carrion, although the extent of those behaviors is not known, according to SCDNR.

Wild pigs can damage turf, crops, and landscapes by their rooting, wallows, and rubs, as well as can prey on native species. The most common complaint regarding damage from wild pigs is from their rooting, that is tearing up ground to seek food.

In addition, they can and do also carry certain diseases, including cholera, swine brucellosis, trichinosis, bovine tuberculosis, foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, and pseudorabie, all of which can infect wildlife, livestock, and humans, according to SCDNR.

For more information call 432-2576 ext 104 or email donna.douglas@sc.nacdnet.net.