RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Wild pigs have become a nuisance in the Waterleaf subdivision of Riverview. For weeks, the pigs have overturned yards.
- Wild pigs in Riverview neighborhoods
- Many pigs spotted in Waterleaf subdivision
- Trappers brought in to capture, relocate the pigs
"I hope they catch them," said resident Cynthia Beverly.
Beverly was playing with her dog in her backyard when she spotted the pigs nearby. She grabbed her chihuaha and ran inside.
"I was nervous because my dog's like this big and the pigs were about 30 pounds, 40 pounds in size," Beverly said. "They were pretty big size."
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, wild pigs are not native to Florida, but the animals can be found in all 67 Florida counties.
Experts said the recent sightings in South Hillsborough is a sign of development. New neighborhoods are replacing conservation areas. It's leaving the wild hogs looking somewhere else for food.
Recently a professional trapper relocated about 30 pigs from the Waterleaf subdivision and he said there could be more.
"Really?" Beverly said. "I didn't know there were that many."
As a precaution, the management company temporarily closed the trails and boardwalks nearby.
The professional trapper will be on the look-out for more wild hogs in the area over the next three months.