3 Northwest states launch feral pig campaign

[denali]

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Officials in Idaho, Oregon and Washington are launching a campaign aimed at stopping the spread of wild pig populations in the region.

Agriculture officials from those stats unveiled the "Squeal on Pigs" campaign Monday, hoping that public awareness will help thwart feral pig growth in the region.

Feral swine are identified as any pig not confined in fences, and their spread across the country is blamed for an estimated $1.5 billion in damage to crops, livestock and wildlife. Federal officials estimate more than 5 million feral pigs are roaming the country and pose a disease risk to humans.

Idaho Invasive Species Coordinator Amy Ferriter says early detection is critical to controlling population growth.

The three states have set up a hotline -- or swine line -- to report sightings.

Copyright 2012 The AP.




I was not aware we had any in WA, but my take from the write up is...fire at will

[rasbo]

are they speaking of real swine or our politicians?I have not heard of a problem in our state,but it could turn into one in a hurry if they are here...might as well be ready to do business,before the anti's find a reason why we must have them here..They start rooting up the weed crops and all hell will break loose from the lizards

[Rgrady35]

Wait a minute....you have a point.

[Dan-o]

They SHOULD NOT ALLOW HUNTING of feral pigs in this state until we have a confirmed minimum of 15 breeding pairs that have been successful for at least 3 years..... and they must be distributed across all regions of the state.

Sucks to be a pig when you could be a wolf........     

[WAcoyotehunter]

They SHOULD NOT ALLOW HUNTING of feral pigs in this state until we have a confirmed minimum of 15 breeding pairs that have been successful for at least 3 years..... and they must be distributed across all regions of the state.

Sucks to be a pig when you could be a wolf........     

I like that argument. 

[KenPCPilot]

They SHOULD NOT ALLOW HUNTING of feral pigs in this state until we have a confirmed minimum of 15 breeding pairs that have been successful for at least 3 years..... and they must be distributed across all regions of the state.

Sucks to be a pig when you could be a wolf........     

Awesome!  A comprehensive feral pig recovery plan. 

[bobcat]

The article on mynorthwest.com says the pig population in Washington is "out of control." 

Beware of the feral pigs

By MyNorthwest.com
Staff report
Feral pigs

Like invasive ivy, the wild pig population in Washington is out of control. So much so that the state is part of a campaign to thwart the growth of feral pig populations in the area.

"Squeal on Pigs" was launched Monday with Idaho and Oregon.

Feral swine are identified as any pig not confined in fences, and their spread across the country is blamed for an estimated $1.5 billion in damage to crops, livestock, and wildlife. Federal officials estimate more than 5 million feral pigs are roaming the country and pose a disease risk to humans.

The Recreation and Conservation Office says there was a feral pig population reported on the Olympic Peninsula, but it's no longer there. Most of the pigs have been sighted in southern Washington.

The pigs came from Europe and Asia as domestic pigs, but after years of escape and intentional release, the pigs have become free-ranging swine. Not only are they destruction to crops and wetlands, the pigs produce four to eight babies per litter.

If you see a feral pig, the state wants you to call its hotline: 1-877-9-INFEST. The pigs vary in color in size, but are most commonly black. Their hair is long and course. Females weigh between 77-330 pounds. The males have four tusks and can be very sharp.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

MyNorthwest.com, Staff report

[sebek556]

they are out of control, hell there is one in my living room! oh wait that's the wifes pet 

[dannysdaddy]

So are we supposed to call it in or shoot on sight.  seems like we should knock them out before it turns into a problem like texas has.

[carpsniperg2]

People need to becareful. I know last year that some pigs got out around here. Then people thought they were feral and shot them, even though on private ground. Shooting peoples private live stock is not o.k.

I think that is why they are saying call rather then shoot.

[Kola16]

are they speaking of real swine or our politicians?

What's the difference 


And, out of control...really? Who wrote that?

And wolves may not do a thing to the pigs (that are out of control). Hasn't anyone ever read the story about the three little piggies and the big bad wolf 

[rebal69972]

where r these pigs at i could go for some bacon in the freezer. feral hogs can get to be a big problem real quick. we have them in MO and you can track them just by the damage they do. what do they plan on doing about them? a trapper, shoot on sight  or is it going to be call and report until the problem is so bad it cant be stopped.

[sebek556]

call and report until the problem is so bad it cant be stopped.

then charge $50 a tag for them

[MikeWalking]

They SHOULD NOT ALLOW HUNTING of feral pigs in this state until we have a confirmed minimum of 15 breeding pairs that have been successful for at least 3 years..... and they must be distributed across all regions of the state.

Sucks to be a pig when you could be a wolf........     

 

I remember problems being reported in SW WA back in the mid 90's.  One of the TV stations interviewed a guy with several in his truck and a Warden that gave the green light to shoot at will.  Maybe we didn't get them all...

[Swannytheswan]

From
http://www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorities/feral_swine.shtml

"There was one report of a feral swine population on the Olympic Peninsula, but it is no longer there. The Quinault Indian Nation hunted them in the past. Feral swine were sighted in southwest Washington and are abundant in California, Oregon, and Idaho."