News Release

Feral Hog Management During Fireflies Closure

Date: May 12, 2022
Contact: Jon Manchester, 803.647.3964

HOPKINS, SC – Staff from Congaree National Park, along with staff from USDA APHIS and Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, will be conducting scheduled feral hog management work near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and Boardwalk Trail over the next two weeks. This work will occur during the resource management closure for the synchronized fireflies event taking place between May 15-29 and will occur during non-event nights. This year’s fireflies viewing will take place on the weekends of May 20-22 and May 27-29.

An increasingly pervasive problem, feral hogs cause damage to both park resources, and the land and water resources important to residents of local communities. “These invasive animals cause damage to different ecosystems in the park, including those that may be home to synchronized fireflies. It is vital that we use every available opportunity to work towards managing the damage feral hogs cause,” said David Shelley, head of the park’s Resource Stewardship and Science Division.

Staff conducting this work will be using firearms, including high-powered rifles, in areas where recent hog activity is evident, and require the area to be closed to visitors. “It is very important that people pay attention to area closures while this work is taking place,” said Acting Superintendent Stephen Akins. “While we understand the desire to come in and see the fireflies, your safety is important and ignoring closures means putting yourself and others at risk of serious injury or worse.”