Wild hogs were spotted on UHCL campus grounds several weeks ago, prompting university officials to issue safety reminders to students and staff.

The animals were first noticed in wooded areas surrounding the campus, but have since been seen closer to student parking lots, according to campus officials.

Wild hogs, which can weigh up to several hundred pounds, are most active around dawn and dusk. Experts say they pose safety risks due to their sharp tusks, unpredictable behavior, and territorial nature.

“Regarding the hog reports, the discovery of damage they cause by rooting into the ground is a common occurrence,” campus police said in a statement.

“This usually occurs at night, which prompts us to send a community guidance email in the rare event someone encounters them. As it is, no one has been directly affected by the hogs or any other wildlife that reside in and around the campus.”

Wild hogs are common across Texas, particularly in wooded and suburban areas, so their presence on campus is not unusual. However, UHCL officials do still urge the campus community to use caution if the animals are encountered.

University guidance advises students and visitors not to approach, feed or attempt to scare off the hogs. Instead, recommended safety measures include walking in groups, using well-lit pathways and slowly backing away if confronted.

Campus police said they will continue to monitor the situation, though no immediate threat has been identified.