Commission adds feral pigs to allowed 'spotlighting' species to support eradication efforts

Washington County commissioners approved an amendment to the county spotlighting ordinance (ord. 2024‑1274‑O) to expand the list of species that may be taken while spotlighting to include feral pigs.

County staff said the Utah Division of Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture asked the county to amend local code to permit spotlighting of feral pigs as a proactive measure to eradicate any incipient populations before they become established. A county‑presenting staff member noted feral pigs are an invasive, highly destructive species in other states and that a few animals have been observed in Washington County, likely moving along the Virgin River Gorge corridor.

Kevin, the agency representative invited to explain the request, told commissioners the purpose is eradication and prevention, not to create recreational hunting opportunities or an industry built around feral‑pig hunting. "This is not a request to allow for a recreational opportunity," he said, "Our objective… is to eradicate any feral pigs that get into the state and then prevent establishment of any populations."

Commissioners asked whether the wider spotlighting ordinance already covered raccoons and whether such activity would be allowed inside city limits; staff responded raccoons are already included and city‑limit activity remains constrained by other regulations. Several commissioners volunteered assistance or coordination with sheriff's office and wildlife staff for control efforts.

A motion to adopt ordinance 2024‑1274‑O expanding the species list for spotlighting was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next: the county's code will be updated to reflect the expanded species list; county and state wildlife/agriculture staff indicated they will coordinate field response in known areas (Virgin River Gorge corridor) to remove feral pigs and monitor for further incursions.