Monday, September 21, 2015

Feral Swine - How Hunters Can Help

Feral pigs - free-ranging populations of wild pigs - are now in at least 39 states. Experts estimate their numbers at around 5 million. The feral swine not only cause extremely extensive damage to crops and landscapes, but also can spread disease to other animals and people.

USDA Wildlife Specialist Josh Wisdom says while the feral swine problem in Iowa is not as prevalent as in nearby states, it is on the rise. In the past 10 years, there have been a little over 200 feral pigs reported killed in Iowa or state/federal agencies have removed them. Wisdom emphasizes that REPORTING is the key and they are putting out an all call for sportsmen and women everywhere to be a part of solution by reporting feral pigs they kill or even simply see.

Wisdom says the phrase “greedy as pigs” is around for a purpose. They will destroy our native wildlife, if the population continues to increase as it has, by eating everything in sight, almost literally. From the acorns that drop off the trees to the crops and rebuilt habitat, they will devour before anything else can get to it.

How can you help? If you see signs of feral swine or kill one, report it to your state wildlife or agriculture officials.

  • Contact USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at 866-487-3297.
  • In Iowa, report feral hog sightings online at http://ift.tt/1V6AaJP (scroll to the bottom, right about the map)
  • Do not relocate feral swine without permits. It is illegal in most states to trap and move feral swine.
  • If you have domestic pigs, protect them from escaping or having contact with feral hogs.

For more information, visit the USDA APHIS web site at http://ift.tt/187Bbeg.

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