Johnson Shut-Ins, Taum Sauk Parks Closed for Aerial Feral Hog Eradication

Iron Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Two Missouri state parks closed to the public Tuesday as conservationists carry out aerial operations to eliminate feral hogs in the area.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working with the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership, is using a helicopter to target feral hogs at Johnson Shut-Ins and Taum Sauk Mountain state parks. According to MU Extension, feral hogs are among the most destructive invasive species in the country, causing extensive damage to natural habitats and crops while spreading disease to livestock. The Missouri Department of Conservation says the parks will remain closed through sunset Friday to ensure public safety during the operations. The effort is part of Missouri’s ongoing, year-round feral hog elimination program, with aerial operations focused on areas where hog activity has been reported.

Conservation officials report the state’s feral hog population has dropped by 84 percent since the elimination partnership began in 2016.