MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Beware of the feral pigs

Jul 23, 2012, 12:02 PM | Updated: 1:20 pm

Officials in Idaho, Oregon and Washington are launching a campaign aimed at stopping the spread of wild pig populations in the region. (Photograph courtesy of Lloyd Loope, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org)

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 News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

8 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

9 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

10 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

10 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

12 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

14 hours ago

Beware of the feral pigs