Coordinated Hunt in Kauaʻi’s Kalalau Valley reduces feral animal population 

A coordinated animal control operation in Kalalau Valley earlier this month has removed 10 wild pigs and 12 feral goats from the rugged area.

Kalalau Valley has long struggled with populations of feral pigs and goats, which damage native plants, cause erosion, and create public health and safety concerns for campers and hikers.

The hunt was conducted Sept. 9 and 10 by a team of permitted hunters working with staff from the state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and the Division of State Parks.

The operation began when state officers swept the campground, checked permits and advised campers to leave the valley for safety reasons.

After a safety briefing, hunting teams consolidated into two groups to cover both sides of the valley. State officers set up a monitoring post at Red Hill to prevent illegal entry.

Over two days, hunters removed 22 animals, noting that the number of pigs present was lower than some recent reports suggested.

Maintenance also was done on Kalalau facilities during the operation, with parks staff cleaning composting toilets, restocking supplies and flying out four bags of rubbish.

“This hunt shows what can be accomplished when community hunters and state staff work together,” said Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell. “Feral animals remain a challenge in Kalalau, but cooperative efforts like this are making a difference.”

Hunters offered suggestions for dealing with the feral animals, including allowing hunting above the waterfall where goats were observed dislodging stones into the camp area.

In addition to the signs posted on-site, campers in that area should be aware of the danger of falling rocks.