The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) is responding to a report of potential feral swine in Phillips County. The initial report was received by USDA Wildlife Services as a report of a bear getting into a barn and livestock feed. Upon investigation, pig scat, tracks, and other signs consistent with swine were found and no evidence of bear presence. The swine were later identified as owned domestic swine that are running uncontained and beginning to demonstrate behaviors and characteristics consistent with feral swine populations. Montana state law prohibits swine from living in a feral state and prohibits domestic swine from running at large.
MDOL is currently working with the animal owner, area landowners, USDA Wildlife Services, USDA Veterinary Services, and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to stop the animals from continuing to run uncontained. The animals will be trapped, and healthy animals will be donated to Producer Partnership, a not-for-profit federally inspected meat processing establishment in Livingston, Montana, for to preserve as much protein from these animals to be used as food as possible.
“MDOL appreciates the high level of cooperation between state and federal agencies and the compliance of the animal owner” said state veterinarian, Tahnee Szymanski. “Removing these animals is important to prevent them from becoming an established population of feral swine, and we especially appreciate Producer Partnership for providing a productive outlet for these animals.”
Montana does not have any known established populations of feral swine, and a 2015 law was created to prevent the establishment of feral swine in Montana. Potential sources of feral swine populations include migration of populations into Montana or the intentional transport and release of pigs in Montana. Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have known established populations, although their proximity to the US-Canadian border is variable. Additionally, domestic swine populations that are allowed to run uncontained, such as the Phillips County herd, will quickly revert to feral characteristics and behavior.
Montana state law defines feral swine as a hog, boar, or pig that appears to be untamed, undomesticated, in a wild state, or appears to be contained for commercial hunting or trapping. Hunting feral swine is prohibited in Montana.
Feral swine can cause substantial damage to crops, pastures, wetlands, and riparian areas. They are predatory and pose a threat to ground nesting birds and small mammals. Additionally, feral swine can transmit diseases and parasites that affect livestock, pets, wildlife, and people.
Montana averages roughly 6 reports per year of potential feral swine sightings. All reports to date have proven to be owned domestic swine running at large. Potential sightings of feral swine or damage due to swine should be reported to MDOL at 406-444-2976.
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MDOL
