Wild hogs have been tearing up lawns and rattling nerves in the Del Webb Sunbridge 55-plus community off Narcoossee Road in St. Cloud, residents say. Photos and videos posted by neighbors show the animals rooting through front yards and slipping between houses like they own the place. Homeowners say they believe nearby construction is driving sounders out of the woods and into streets and backyards, and they want the homeowners association and builders to move faster before someone or someone’s pet gets hurt.
Neighbors Capture Footage, Call For Faster Response
As reported by WKMG ClickOrlando, Del Webb Sunbridge residents have recorded multiple videos and photos of wild hogs digging up turf and roaming through common areas. One anonymous resident told the station they suspect construction activity behind a neighborhood pond is pushing the animals closer to homes. Several yards now look “plowed,” neighbors say, with chunks of sod flipped and soil chewed up overnight.
HOA Plans Trapping And Fencing, Residents Want More
An email obtained by WKMG ClickOrlando shows the Del Webb Sunbridge HOA has expanded the plan for additional fencing and is considering more trapping while it seeks direction from the board on how much to spend. The community manager told News 6 that the association is communicating with residents about the issue and declined further comment. Some homeowners say they appreciate the updates but argue that extra fencing and a slow ramp-up of trapping do not match what they describe as an immediate safety concern.
What State Officials Say About Feral Hogs
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says wild hogs are found in all 67 Florida counties and are known to root up soil, destroy turf, and threaten pets and livestock. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, wild hogs may be trapped or taken year-round on private property with landowner permission. Officials advise people not to confront the animals themselves. The agency also warns that wild hogs can carry diseases and that anyone handling carcasses should use care and proper protection.
Damage, Health Risks And Practical Steps
University of Florida extension specialists report that feral hogs cause extensive rooting damage, harm native habitat, and can spread diseases such as brucellosis and pseudorabies that affect pets and livestock, according to UF/IFAS Extension. UF/IFAS materials recommend relying on professional nuisance trappers, cutting off attractants like accessible bird feeders and unsecured trash, and installing hog-resistant fencing where possible. Residents and HOAs that choose to trap are urged to work with licensed professionals and coordinate with state agencies to meet legal and safety requirements.
For now, Sunbridge homeowners are logging sightings, swapping videos, and pressing the HOA for a faster, visible plan. Neighbors say they are glad the board is paying attention, but they want traps on the ground and stronger perimeter protections in place sooner rather than later so lawns, pets, and people are not left on the losing end of a showdown with wild hogs.
