Facebook was buzzing over the weekend after a pig attacked a farmer near Tolna, N.D. Although initial reports claimed it was a wild pig attack, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture confirms the pig was a stray domestic pig.
Ryan Powers with USDA Wildlife Services examined the carcass and made the determination over the weekend. The farmer killed the pig after it reportedly tried to attack the farmer several times in his yard in Tolna, N.D., a town located about three hours northeast of Bismarck.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Department’s post circulated quickly on social media.
North Dakota animal health officials urge anyone who observes pigs at large to keep their distance and report them to the state veterinarian’s office at 701-328-2655.
“If you encounter a pig at large, do not attempt to capture or engage with the animal,” State Veterinarian Ethan Andress said in a statement. “If approached, they can be dangerous. They have poor eyesight and can respond unpredictably.”
Although authorities say this pig was likely an escaped domestic pig, feral swine have occasionally been reported in the state in the past and have recently been reported in neighboring states.
“Feral swine are a growing concern in many parts of the country, not only to public safety, but also due to their ability to spread disease and cause damage to crops and property,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said in a statement.
When feral swine are sighted, individuals should not destroy them, North Dakota Department of Agriculture officials said in a statement. Notify authorities so it can be determined whether they have an owner, or whether they need to be removed and tested for disease. The North Dakota Legislature enacted legislation to prohibit releasing feral swine in 2009 as well as to prevent activities promoting or supporting the hunting of feral swine.
Learn more about feral swine in North Dakota.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
How is the U.S. Managing the Feral Hog Population?
Hunters Shoot Feral Pigs from Helicopters in Texas
The Wild Hog Knows No Fear: True Stories of One of Ag’s Biggest Threats
How is the U.S. Managing the Feral Hog Population?
Monster-Sized Wild Pigs are on the Rise in Canada
