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Feral swine ruled invasive
Feral swine in Michigan are once again on the invasive species list.
An Invasive Species Order was issued in 2011 prohibiting Russian boar in Michigan. That order was challenged as unconstitutional by sport shooting facilities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This week the Michigan Court of Appeals overturned the ruling with a unanimous vote.
Sam Hines, Executive Vice President of Michigan Pork Producers Association, says feral swine are a threat to Michigan agriculture.
“We know in many cases they carry diseases that we’ve eradicated from the domestic herd, and the corn growers, the soybean association and others were just as concerned because they do a tremendous amount of damage to field crops as well”
He says Russian boar are escaping from hunt clubs and establishing wild herds. Hine says the invasive species order will “shut the faucet off” and trapping efforts are working to reduce populations.
AUDIO: Interview with Sam Hines (6:17 mp3):
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