TYLER - The scorching heat is nothing new to Texas but, experts say the tempeture is presenting new challenges for authorities who continue to battle the boom of feral hogs in recent years.

"This time of year when the temperatures are this hot, the triple digits, little small pools and tributaries they dry up," said Smith County Game Warden Chris Green.

The growing feral hog population, officials say are facing two major issues right now, water and shelter.

Officials say the animals can't sweat, so they are constantly seeking a cool wet environment. They say as more development moves in and tempeture rises, feral hogs will continue to look for new resources.

"They're coming out to cool off and forage around for food so we're going to see more and more," said Game Warden Chris Green.

Chris Dushuanack saw several pigs near a Sonic at Old Jacksonville Road in Tyler.

"All of a sudden out of the trees, I'd say approximately 20 hogs came out and they were all at least 40 or 50 pounds a piece."

In the same location, witnesses say they have seen feral hogs come out in the evening on almost a regular basis and some East Texans are growing concerned.

"To me to live in Tyler my whole life, and to see something like that just two blocks from where I live is just scary and amazing at the same time."