Recently I wrote an article for the Monroe Evening News concerning the widespread problem with “boar gone wild” here in the state. Some important information was edited out of the article, so I’ll try and pass it on here on my blog.
The Agricultural Dept. has been working with prosecuting attorneys in at least 32 counties where swine have been reported, and those prosecutor’s have agreed not to bring charges against hunters who shoot feral swine. The M.D.A./M.D.N.R. would like hunters to submit samples for surveillance testing. Samples can be dropped off at any D.N.R. office or check station. The D.N.R. will convey those samples to Michigan State University’s lab for disease testing at no cost to the donor. Reports of sighting or kills can be called into the D.N.R. at (517)-336-5030 or at the M.D.A. at (800)-292-3939 then press 4 for the animal industry division. Laboratory technician Kristine Brown of the Department of Natural Resources can also be reached at (517)-336-5047 or e-mail her at brownkr@Michigan.gov.
Of the 47 counties where feral swine have been reported Midland, Gratiot, and Saginaw are boasting some of the highest hog populations in the state. As of April 12, 2007 forty
five feral swine (wild boar) had been reported killed in Michigan over the last 15 months.
These hogs spend a lot of time rooting and wallowing. This contributes to soil erosion, reduces water quality and damages agricultural crops. They forage heavily on acorns, competing with deer and turkey for this important fall food source. They commonly eat the eggs of ground nesting birds, and have been reported to kill and eat fawns. Feral hogs are known to carry diseases such as swine bruceliosis, psuedo-rabies, trichinosis, and leptospirosis. Statistically one sow and one boar could produce over 1200 breeding adults and 5000 piglets in a 5 year period. This could well be what the future holds if this Michigan invasion is left unchecked.
As Paul Harvey would say “Now thats the rest of the story.” To read the first part of this article go to MonroeNews.com and look up page 4B.
The picture at the beginning is my granddaughter Nadia and a feral hog That I shot right here in Monroe. If you see one and have a chance to eliminate it, by all means do it! I for one do not want to be “boared” in Michigan
Great stuff, Mike. I’d love to re-print your article (copyrights permitting, of course) on the HogBlog. Any possibility of that?