The Economist also has an article here on the problem that many states are having with feral hogs.
During its short and brutal life, a feral hog may grow to become a
monster of several hundred pounds, covered with bristly hair and
fronted with a set of fierce, killing tusks. One hog shot in Georgia in
2004 lives on in legend as Hogzilla because of the claim, disputed by
some, that it was 12 feet long (almost four metres) and weighed 1,000lb
(about 450kg).Governments and individuals across the country are getting
involved. In 2000 Missouri adopted a shoot-on-sight policy with no
restrictions on time or place. Other states are encouraging the
trapping, poisoning and snaring of the beasts. ?Hog dogs? have been
trained to track down the herd for hunters. In many states aerial
hunting from helicopters has been employed as a pricey but effective
solution. But the creatures are intelligent and adaptable, so these
efforts are not keeping pace with the exploding feral hog population.
Missouri recently made it a crime to knowingly release pigs from
confinement. However, the herds continue to grow and spread. Take care.
Anyone up for a road trip to Missouri?
