Spatial behavior of socially isolated wild pigs (Sus scrofa) following sounder removal via trapping

BACKGROUND

The rapid expansion of wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations across North America, coupled with increased concern over disease transmission, has intensified the need for effective management strategies. Trapping is widely regarded as the most effective control method; however, trapping events often fail to capture entire sounders. The behavioral responses of untrapped individuals following partial sounder removal remain poorly understood, potentially undermining management efficiency. We evaluated the spatiotemporal movement responses of wild pigs that became socially isolated following trapping events.

RESULTS

We deployed GPS collars on 18 female wild pigs from multiple sounders and quantified post-trapping movement patterns using distance from trap site, step length, persistence velocity, space covered and overlap area over a 30-day period. Movement responses were highly variable among individuals, but wild pigs travelled an average of 1.2 km from the trap, with a maximum observed distance of 6.37 km. Space-use overlap was limited, and range sizes remained relatively stable. Individuals originating from sounders with a greater proportion of females moved farther from the trap, whereas wild pigs in better body condition exhibited lower movement velocities.

CONCLUSION

Socially isolated wild pigs generally remained close to trap sites following partial sounder removal and rarely dispersed from the area. This behavioral pattern suggests a predictable post-trapping window during which untrapped individuals remain spatially accessible. These findings provide critical empirical support for adaptive trapping strategies, indicating that follow-up removal efforts can be effectively concentrated near original trap locations to improve management efficiency and reduce the risk of population persistence or disease spread. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.