Full Breakdown
Aerial Operation Slashes Wild Pig Numbers at Land Between the Lakes
6/18/2026, 11:52:08 AM
Background & Threat
Feral swine in the United States descend from Eurasian wild boar introduced in the early 1900s for sport hunting, later interbreeding with escaped domestic pigs. The hybrids root in forests, wetlands and crops, outcompete native wildlife for food and can spread disease. Land Between the Lakes, spanning Kentucky and Tennessee, has long been a hotspot for such damage, prompting repeated management actions.
Operation Overview
From January to March 2026, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) conducted an aerial removal campaign. Helicopters with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging located feral swine, and aerial removal gear eliminated them. The operation targeted breeding females, which travel in sounders, to curb reproduction. Ground-based trapping will follow to clear any survivors.
Timeline of the Removal Campaign
- January 2026: Aerial removal season begins.
- March 2026: Helicopter operations conclude after removing 1,802 pigs.
- April 2026 onward: Follow-up surveys confirm ~90 % population decline; ground trapping continues.
Data & Statistics
- Pigs removed: 1,802 captured Jan-Mar 2026.
- Population impact: ~90 % decline per follow-up surveys.
- Geographic focus: ~2/3 of flight routes in Tennessee.
- Future monitoring: ground trapping will address remaining ~10 %.
Official Statements & Agency Responses
State and federal officials said the aerial campaign significantly cut property damage and will lead to a full eradication of wild pigs in the recreation area. USDA APHIS emphasized its commitment to protecting habitats, native species and outdoor recreation. Land Between the Lakes management highlighted expected benefits for native wildlife and improved deer and turkey hunting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Land Between the Lakes remain committed to the complete eradication of wild pigs at LBL and throughout Kentucky.” — KDFWR official
- “The reduction in wild pig numbers is expected to benefit native wildlife populations and improve hunting opportunities for deer and wild turkey across Land Between the Lakes.” — LBL management
Impact & Future Plans
Agency projections say a 90 % reduction eases pressure on forest and wetland ecosystems, allowing plant recovery and less competition for food among native fauna. Hunters expect better deer and turkey harvests as swine disturbance declines. Officials note eradication is not complete; ground trapping will continue, and monitoring will verify that the population remains low. Reduced rooting also lessens degradation of forest and wetland ecosystems. The agencies will maintain both aerial and ground operations as long as any wild pigs are detected. Long-term success will depend on sustained community reporting of any new sightings.
