Thanks to both for responses. Looks like there is a lot more to this story on both sides. I agree that Michigan is not Texas. I am also concerned about over-eager government intrusion into private activities on private property.
Was not accusing any one of trolling on FR, but the original story is certainly over sensationalized.
There are a few out there but not in any great number. Possibly the condom using cougars are keeping their numbers down.
Any hog that gets out is going to go feral pretty quick. It is their nature. They are a bit like cats in that respect.
Which is why the rule makes no sense. A lightly haired hog out side the fence is going to produce far more damage then any of the hogs named will do when they are kept fenced.
The logical thing if they were worried about feral hogs is to make the rule read that any hog running loose is fair game. Any fenced hog is not. See how easy that was?
When they refuse to do that it is obvious that they are up to something other then their stated intention.
The DNR is Michigan has been acting strangely for the past decade or so. A few years back the DNR was forced to admit that there were indeed cougars in lower Michigan. It is kind of hard to argue with a body and a expert testimony that the horse was killed by one. They immediately declared the cougar was endangered and must be left alone and they weren't breeding.
Really? What are they doing? Using birth control?
feral - previously domesticated animal either abandoned or escaped from captivity that resorts to the wild to survive.
By definition a pig behind the farmer’s fence that is fed and cared for cannot be arbitrarily declared “feral” no matter what the breed. The DNR’s definition of unapproved pigs pretty much describes all pigs but the pink factory pigs.
Disagree totally that this story was “over sensationalized” - it hit a very visceral cord in me.