Feral swine foraging / NPS

Feral swine are concerning officials at Padre Island National Seashore. They've been observed disturbing sea turtle nests in other national parks, as well as threatened sea bird nests. As a result, the National Park Service is seeking public comment on a draft Feral Exotic Invasive Species Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) that would allow the park to remove feral swine and antelope (nilgai). 

Nilgai are an antelope native to India and Pakistan introduced into Texas decades ago as game animals. They've since exploded in population with tens of thousands of the animals across the state. They're the largest antelope species in the subcontinent, with big bodies, small heads, and elegant curls of fur draping their broad chests. Large herds of the animals have spread to the Rio Grande and can often be seen grazing coastal prairies where they too can displace and disturb threatened native species. 

The National Park Service (NPS) EA analyzes potential impacts of the proposed actions to remove feral swine and antelope and includes information received from the public earlier this year. This EA evaluates two alternative actions: one where feral swine and antelope are removed on a case-by-case basis, and the preferred alternative with a more comprehensive approach for feral swine and antelope removal that includes a monitoring program. In order to protect seashore resources, staff identified a need to review and analyze impacts from both alternatives on the following topics: special status wildlife species, wildlife, human health and safety, recreation and visitor use, soils, water resources, and cultural resources.  

The non-native nilgai / Wikipedia commons

The seashore looks forward to all comments from members of the public on the alternatives and issue at large. The most helpful comments are those that reference a specific topic or section in the draft EA and give staff ideas to consider that help achieve the mission of protecting all resources and visitor experiences at Padre Island. 

The NPS will be accepting public comments on the draft Feral Exotic Invasive Species Management Plan and Environmental Assessment from October 15 - November 15, 2024.  

The public can review and comment on this EA online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/PadreExoticInvasivePlanning 

Comments can also be mailed to:  

RE: Feral Exotic Invasive Management Plan EA 
PO Box 181300 
Corpus Christi, TX 78480 

The public is also invited to join any of three in-person, open house listening sessions to provide feedback about the feral exotic invasive species management plan at the seashore.  

• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission San José, 6701 San José Drive, San Antonio from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2024.  
• Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2024.  
• Seashore Learning Center's Rip Tide Gym, 15801 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2024.

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.