Invasive feral swine have recently been spotted in three separate communities in North Texas, The Dallas Morning News reports.
what happened?
People living in two Roanoke neighborhoods and Coppell saw the animals in mid-November.
“Wild boar activity in the area is not unusual and feral boar sightings are seasonal and multi-year,” Coppell Police Department spokesman JJ Ceniceros said in a statement, according to the newspaper. “Coppell’s feral boar are typically found near the Trinity River on Elm Fork.”
In response to the sightings, local police stepped up neighborhood patrols, and federal wildlife officials hired professionals to trap the feral pigs. Police say residents are not in immediate danger, but the animals may cause damage to property.
A 2022 investigation reportedly found the animals living in every county in Texas except one. Wild boars seek out areas with dense brush, available water and easy access to food. Dry weather forces them into communities in search of food.
Why are feral pigs a concern?
Invasive species can eliminate native plants and animals by competing for resources. Wild boars also tear up the ground and kill native vegetation as they dig and search for food.
Biodiversity loss and structural damage also come at a cost. According to the Dallas Morning News, researchers calculated that one feral pig can cause $300 in damage and trapping costs per year. Multiplied by the cost of millions of animals across the country, the annual cost could exceed $2 billion.
Health risks add another layer of worry. These animals can transmit more than two dozen bacterial, viral and fungal infections to humans, farm animals and wildlife. These diseases include leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and swine influenza.
Protecting native ecosystems can keep natural resources stable, food supplies secure, and contain disease.
What measures are being taken against wild boars?
A hired trapper sets up equipment to capture an animal. If you see wild pigs in your area, please tell local police, animal control and the Squeal On Pigs tracking program.
If you encounter a wild boar alone, do not panic or act quickly. Approaching or running away may provoke the pig to chase you.
Generally, these animals tend to avoid humans, but they are active when the sun rises, sets, and at night. A collision is unlikely, but if it happens, back away slowly and give it space.
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