LAKE NONA, Fla. – A wild problem is tearing up lawns, parks, and peace of mind in one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing communities.
Families in Storey Park, a neighborhood in Lake Nona, say they’re under siege by packs of wild hogs that have taken over sidewalks, green spaces, and backyards. The issue, neighbors say, has been building for years — but it’s now reached a boiling point.
“They’re Chasing People,” says Stephanie Jones, a mom who used to enjoy peaceful strolls through her neighborhood. She now carries pepper spray on walks with her baby.
“We’ve worked hard to be homeowners and parents,” Jones told News 6. “My number one goal is his safety. We like to go on walks in the stroller every day — and we can’t because they’re coming out during the daytime and they’re chasing people.”
The animals — some in groups of up to 20 — are digging up yards, damaging community parks, and even intimidating residents, according to the neighborhood Facebook page. Videos posted to the Storey Park Facebook group show feral pigs rooting through landscaping and traveling in big packs.
Experts say wild hogs aren’t just a nuisance — they can be dangerous.
“If she thinks you’re being aggressive toward her young, she can absolutely attack,” said Daniel Gonser, a professional trapper with Animal Remover Pest Management.
When News 6 visited Storey Park, Gonser identified two separate hog families causing damage — a problem that will require multiple traps and surveillance equipment to manage safely.
So who is responsible for solving the problem? That depends on who you ask. Resident Christian Rosa says the neighborhood’s HOA hasn’t offered much help.
“They’re basically telling us to deal with it,” he said.
But Storey Park’s General Manager, Rebecca Black, says the HOA has already tried calling in the USDA, which caught 20–30 hogs — and funds have run dry.
“We understand the frustration,” Black told News 6. “But HOAs aren’t responsible for maintaining private property. There’s not much we can do.”
After News 6 reached out to the Storey Park Community Development District (CDD) — which oversees parks and common areas — the agency confirmed it’s stepping in to help. The CDD has voted to allocate $5,000 for hog trapping, with plans to have traps set up by the end of the week.
It’s a relief for many neighbors who say they’ve felt helpless.