The United States is facing an “invasion” of “super pigs,” hybrids between wild boars and domesticated pigs, as previous control measures have proven ineffective.
According to The Guardian, “super pigs” are intelligent and large animals that have survived the winter in Canada and are now migrating to the northern states of America. These creatures have the ability to dig deep into the snow, creating warm burrows.
Illustrative image: AP
Mr. Ryan Brook, head of the wild pig research project at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), stated: “Wild pigs are the most invasive large mammals on the planet. They are extremely intelligent and very difficult to catch.” He noted that when faced with danger, especially if humans start hunting them, they become almost entirely nocturnal and hide in wetland areas, making them very hard to track.
Mr. Michael Marlow, assistant director of the wild pig damage management program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pointed out that wild pigs are harmful to the environment. They consume crops, damage vegetation, contaminate water sources, and pose threats to human health and safety.
Their enormous size—some can weigh up to 300 kg—allows them to survive harsh winters and reproduce despite expert control efforts.
In some areas, due to the rapid proliferation of wild pigs, local authorities and residents have formed hunting teams.
However, “super pigs” have the ability to change their habits and quickly adapt to new environments. For example, if hunted, they will switch to nocturnal activity, making them nearly impossible to capture.
One method experts are using involves trapping a pig, fitting it with a GPS tracking collar, and then releasing it back into the wild to locate the rest of the herd. In Canada, experts indicate that the chance to eradicate this pig species has passed.
Mr. Ryan Brook mentioned that the period from 2010 to 2012 might have been the last opportunity to hunt and eliminate them. But now, their numbers are too high.
Authorities estimate that approximately six million wild pigs in the U.S. cause about $1.5 billion in damages to the economy each year.
