While hiking through the rugged beauty of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I encountered a species that’s definitely not on the welcome list—wild hogs. This particular encounter dates back to March 2016, and I can only imagine that the refuge manager wasn’t thrilled about their presence back then. Just about everywhere I explored, there were clear signs of hog activity.
If you’re interested in more about their impact, check out my post on battling invasive feral hogs at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
Wild Hogs: Unwanted and Unpredictable
Wild hogs are an invasive species known for their destructive habits. They tear up the landscape in search of food, root through sensitive habitats, and pose a threat to native wildlife. Seeing their tracks and wallows throughout the refuge was both intriguing and concerning.
After noticing so much evidence of hogs, I decided to shift focus and try to stalk one for a photo—a challenging task, given how wary these animals are. In my experience, wild hogs rank right up there with deer and coyotes when it comes to being alert and skittish.
The Stalk: Listening Before Seeing
I found a fresh trail and began my search. About an hour in, I heard the unmistakable squeals of a nearby group. That’s often your first clue—you’ll usually hear wild hogs before you see them, thanks to their noisy communication.
Using sound as my guide, I started my careful approach. Sure enough, I finally came upon a group, and my patience paid off. As you can see in the photo above, I managed to capture one.
A Wary Stare, Then Dismissal
The hog in my photo locked eyes with me a few times, clearly trying to figure out what I was. After a brief moment of curiosity, it moved on, uninterested and unaware of the camera. I was relieved it didn’t feel threatened, since wild hogs can be extremely dangerous, especially if they’re injured or feel cornered. Always respect their space and be cautious when photographing or observing them in the wild.