News Release

Padre Island National Seashore seeking input on possible development of feral exotic invasive management plan

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 22, 2024

Contact: Kelly Taylor, Public Information Officer, 361-949-8173 ext. 427 (office), 361-446-9074 (cell)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Resources management staff in Padre Island National Seashore are observing increasing numbers of feral swine/pigs at the Seashore. Concern is high about the impact of invasive swine upon threatened and endangered species and their habitat at the Seashore. At other National Park Service (NPS) units, invasive swine have been documented digging sea turtle nests and eating sea turtle eggs.

The Seashore is currently operating under a 2021 categorical exclusion (CE) in collaboration with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The CE allows the invasive swine to be culled in an effort to protect native threatened and endangered species.

The NPS will soon begin a planning effort at Padre Island National Seashore which is proposing to remove invasive pigs, as well as nilgai antelope, from the Seashore. By enhancing capacity for early detection, rapid response and control, and prevention of re-introduction, landscape restoration is achievable and sustainable.

The Seashore is the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the United States and is home to a rich and diverse array of over 150 special-status species. Feral hogs are exotic and invasive to the Seashore and are known predators of threatened and endangered species. Nilgai antelope were introduced several decades ago on nearby ranches for hunting and are known carriers of ticks that spread cattle fever which can affect native white-tailed deer.

We invite you to participate in the planning process by submitting your ideas to help inform feral exotic invasive management at the Seashore. We would like to hear any thoughts and ideas you feel are relevant and important for this planning process. The public can review and comment on this proposal online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/PadrePigPlanning

Comments will be accepted from July 22, 2024 until August 4, 2024. The NPS will consider all feedback in preparation of an environmental assessment (EA), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to develop and evaluate alternatives. Once complete, there will be a second opportunity for public comment on the EA this fall.

Commenters should be aware that their entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While commenters may ask that their identifying information be withheld from public view, the NPS cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Information about park planning may be found at www.nps.gov/pais/getinvolved/planning.htm