Yesterday I took my bi-monthly trip to the barber, and while I was waiting read a small article in Outdoor Life about Michigan’s boar problem. I have written about this in the past, and a few years ago killed a feral hog that ran through my backyard. This is an update about the growing problem, and increasing population of wild boar in our state.
Last year there were 43 counties reporting boar sightings in Michigan, and presently that number has jumped to 53, according to the outdoor article. The destruction of native plants and animal habitat by this invader could, at some point in time, be detrimental to our deer and turkey population overall. Farmers are reporting crop damage, and pig wallows are changing the direction of some small streams, as well as trampling the flora and fauna of the area.
The State of Michigan is calling on all “licensed” hunters to help eradicate any wild boar on sight. Drastic times call for drastic measures! In some areas of the state there is actually a viable hunting population of wild boar. If you search the internet hard enough you can even find a guide to take you on a Michigan “wild boar hunt!” Who would of ever thought they would see that day come upon us?
Mike
I guess I never realized these buggers were so destructive – I guess the state’s I have lived in (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) are like three of only a few states that don’t have wild pigs, so I had no idea. Guess I’ll be glad we don’t have this problem!
I guess I never would have thought that this day would come, but I guarantee you that if I ever see one I will do my part to eradicate the problem.
Thanks for the update, Mike!
Hey Tom, they’ve definitely got ‘em in Oregon now. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them show up in Idaho before too awfully long.