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Emerging Problem in NY
Wild Boars|| April 2008 |
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Free-ranging populations of feral swine (Sus serafa), also known as wild boar, are known to be present in parts of New York, including Cortland and Onondaga counties and possibly other locations.
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These animals appear to be descended from wild boar stock. Their physical appearance is more similar to wild boar than to domestic swine. They are reproducing in the wild and are believed to be poised for a population increase. Large litter size, two litters per year, ability to eat many types of food and few predators all contribute to these population Increases.
In many states, feral swine have been shown to be a big problem for farmers and landowners. They consume grain crops in the field. Their habits of rooting and making wallows damage crop fields, pastures, lawns and golf courses and increase soil erosion losses. Crop loss and damage from feral swine in the US was estimated to be greater than $800 million in the year 2000. In addition, feral swine have been known to prey on lambs, goat kids, and calves in Texas and Australia. In other states feral swine have been known to spread disease to livestock. Where they are established, feral swine also have negative environmental impacts. They degrade natural habitat by destroying native plants and reducing forest regeneration. This allows noxious weeds and invasive plants to spread and alter native habitat. They reduce forest understory and can change the tree composition of forests by selectively consuming acorns and reducing oak re-growth. Their rooting and the creation of wallows cause soil erosion and runoff that can pollute streams and wetlands. Feral swine prey on both ground nesting birds and their eggs, along with reptiles and amphibians. Working in cooperation with NYS Ag and Markets, Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District, Cornell University and the United States Department of Agriculture, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has initiated an effort to eliminate these feral swine populations. Successful trapping of several feral swine has occurred in a few locations in 2008. How You Can Help Populations of feral swine may not be limited to the known locations listed above. NYSDEC and USDA Wildlife Services are attempting to identify other locations where free ranging feral swine may be present and/or breeding in NY. Natural resource professionals are encouraged to report any information on locations of wild pigs, feral swine, or wild boars to USDA Wildlife Services toll free number at 1(866) 487-3297, reporting locations, number of animals and if possible a landowner contact who would be willing to provide more information. Your information will assist in further understanding and control of these animals in NY. Some sources of information: Barrett, R.H. and G.H. Birmingham. 1994. Wild pigs. Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Cooperative Extension Division- Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and United State Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control. Great Plains Agricultural Council-Wildlife Committee Clay, W. H. 2007. Hogs gone wild. In: Human-Wildlife Conflicts 1(2):129-131, Fall 2007. Jack H. Berryman Institute. Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, UT Dewey, T. and 1. Hruby. 2002. "Sus serofa" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 03,2008 at http:;;animaldiveTs}!v.ummz.umich.edu/ site! accourtts/infonnation/S us scrofa.html. Lafond, K and M. Salwey. 2005. WDNR - Feral Pig Fact Sheet. (On-line) Wisconsin Department ofNatura1 Resources. Accessed March 5, 2008 at; http)/\V\\'\v.dnr.state.wi.usorg/land/wildlife/j)ubllYvlnoteboOk/Dig.htm Rouhe, A. and M. Sytsma. 2007. Feral swine action plan for Oregon. Oregon Invasive Species Council. Portland State University Center for Lakes and Reservoirs, Environmental Science and Resources.
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