Biological and Health Dangers Posed With Wild Hogs Photos courtesy of Edmonson County Sheriff's Office: Darren Doyle, story: Local officials are warning Edmonson County residents and hunters about the dangers of feral hogs that have been spotted in the county. A feral hog is defined as a pig living in the wild but has stemmed from a domestic breed. An Edmonson County Sheriff's Deputy said he saw reports of the animals on social media over the weekend and he reached out to friends that supposedly had more information. The deputy said after a few phone calls he discovered several reports of the wild animals, and on Wednesday, he saw one while patrolling on Veterans Memorial HWY (259/101). He said he could not safely make a shot and the hog was able to disappear into the woods. According to KY Fish and Wildlife, all pigs are an exotic, invasive species when living in Kentucky’s wilds, and they negatively impact the Commonwealth in numerous ways. The term “wild pig” is used to describe free-ranging swine living independently of humans, according to KY F&W. They are most commonly seen as black or brown due to their hair, but can be a number of colors and combinations. Wild pigs are also "omnivorous”, which means that they can and will eat almost any organic substance that is available. According to KY F&W, a domestic pig turned loose in the wild will grow hair, can eventually grow tusks, and will root the ground, destroying land, crops, and other property. Officials say even a small, pot-belly pig will turn feral if released into the wild. They may not grow as large as a regular hog, but just as dangerous. In a report published on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website, officials said "Threats generated from wild pigs are generally classified into biological, economic, and health-related concerns. "Biologically, wild pigs pose serious threats as they simply out-compete native wildlife for available food and space resources. As a result, it is not uncommon for native game species such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to be displaced as pig numbers increase." The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office is encouraging hunters to kill any wild hog if safe and legal techniques can be used, and is also reminding pig and hog owners that they will be responsible if their animals are either released or escape into the wild. While an accidental escape is not a violation of the law, any damage caused by the animal would fall into the responsibility of the animal's owner. It is also unlawful to possess any wild pig. The Sheriff's Office said one local farmer reported that a feral hog recently damaged his field by rooting. According to KRS 150.186: Release of hog or pig into the wild prohibited -- Importing, possessing, or transporting wild or feral pig or boar prohibited -- Accidental escape of livestock exempted. (1) No person shall release a hog or pig from the family Suidae into the wild. (2) No person shall import, possess, or transport in Kentucky any wild or feral pig, Eurasian or Russian boar, or any hybrid of these, whether born in the wild or captivity, which is a Class A Misdemeanor and is an arrestable offense where violators can face stiff fines and penalties. The Sheriff's Office said that sightings have been reported on Houchin Ferry Road, near Edmonson County High School, in the Mohawk Community, and along Veterans Memorial. If you are not hunting and see one of these animals but cannot safely shoot one, or choose not to, you are asked to report the sighting to the Sheriff's Office at 270-597-2157 or KY Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549. They also said they would like to hear from anyone that kills a feral hog in Edmonson County.
Officials said that a domestic pig escaping or being turned loose into the wild can become feral in as little as two weeks.
7 Comments
Tyler F Johnson
10/25/2019 05:43:08 pm
Reason #1776 why every American citizen should own at least 2 AR-15 rifles.
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C>D> Noble
10/25/2019 06:21:28 pm
We had tons of hogs in California, they do a ton of damage, they can have up to 3 litters of 8 a year. Get them under control ASAP.
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10/30/2019 08:58:38 pm
Thank you very much for that input and concern. I don't understand, since these hogs are so dangerous why hasn't the county made this a priority to kill them. I hope this is not going to be one of these situations where a child or someone has to be killed or hurt bad before something is done. This is a county where kids play outside, go fishing, work on farms, walk to bus stops and some even to school. I would like to think someone in higher authority would get the ball rolling and do something before this gets out of hand. All we need is for them to start breeding and be all over the place attacking humans, pets, live stock. There is no chance anyone much less a child or elderly person could get away before being eaten alive by them.
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Jerry Adams
10/25/2019 08:50:17 pm
Do you need a hunting lic to hunt them??
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Cindy boyd
10/25/2019 09:13:04 pm
One was hit on the side of the 185 state highway about a month ago in butler county. I personally met with the local biologist He said the same thing to me I posted a photo on my FB page you are welcome to look it up
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GENA YOAKEM
10/30/2019 11:25:43 am
If a hunter does opt to shoot the feral pig, what is to be done with it then? Do they need to report it? Is it safe to be used for food consumption?
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10/26/2021 08:40:52 pm
It helped when you mentioned that they may not grow as large as a regular hog, but just as dangerous.. My uncle mentioned to me last night that he saw a wild hog on their backyard and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do as it is a threat to their home. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell him that he should consult hog removal services as they can answer all his inquiries and will provide the safety of their home.
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