Feral Pigs in NY Allegany State Park

feral pig (photo from National Forest Law Blog)

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based on a posting in the FLT e-group, original source uncertain

The NY Department of Environmental Cconservation has confirmed that feral pigs (wild boar) are invading Allegany State Park. A road crew saw the pigs last weed whil working, and two visitors managed to take their picture.

The damage these animals do to an ecosystem is considerable. "When they go to the wild they actually go through a morphological change. Their hair turns thicker, darker and courser, and their tusks develop. You wouldn't think that little pink porker could become that razorback type of boar but it does," said New York DEC Wildlife Manager Mark Kandel

There are concerns about the boars invading central New York as well. They can produce three litters a year, and quickly cause problems. They avoid human contact, but will attack if they feel threatened. And an adult boar can weigh 300 pounds.

The DEC wants to eradicate the animals from the state. The New York State Hunting guide reads "Feral swine are a harmful, invasive species. DEC is working to eradicate feral swine from NY's landscape. Hunters with small game hunting privileges may shoot and keep feral swine, at any time, and in any number."

There are areas and times when hunting is restricted in state parks that can override the "anywhere, anytime" directive. The meat of these feral swine is reportedly leaner and healthier than that of the commercial chemical laden pork sold in stores. But NYS law doesn't even require that they be removed. They just want them eradicated before they get established beyond eradication.