They have been feral pigs in America since the first domestic stock escaped into the wild in the 1500s, but they now pose a serious concern for wildlife managers. Few indigenous predators are willing to attempt killing adult hogs equipped with large tusks. Their spread has been accelerated since 1989 by nimrods seeking yet another thrill hunting big boars, yet
Sus scrofa does an immense amount of damage to sensitive ecosystems. The
rooting for food is their most destructive behavior. But perhaps the pigs' most expensive single destructive act was the collision with a $16 million fighter jet on Florida's Jacksonville International Airport's runway. Most control efforts are ineffective because hogs are prolific breeders, very adaptable, and highly intelligent. To stabilize a population, an estimated 70% must be eliminated. Human hunting rarely kills more than 20 to 25%. Hunting rules have been relaxed in some states by allowing hunting year around, day or night, to try and deal with the overpopulation problem. Release of hogs into the wild is illegal in most states. Kentucky has elevated the crime to a felony. Nevertheless, feral hogs have become the second most popular game animal after the white-tailed deer.
 |
| reports of urban pig problems |
In the Northwest, Washington, Oregon and Idaho have stared a "squeal on pigs" effort intended to eradicate unwanted feral swine. People are being encouraged to report pigs or
pig signs they see in the wild. Pigs
carry diseases that pose a threat to livestock and humans, such as swine brucellosis and trichinosis. Oregon officials estimate 5,000 wild pigs are living in the state. Washington eliminated a population in the southwest corner of the state in the 1990's that arose from an unsanctioned release. The Bruneau Valley of Idaho contains a small population that Idaho officials are monitoring.
