The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for the public’s help in locating a group of feral hogs in Big Stone County.
Curt Vacek, DNR area wildlife manager at Appleton, said between 25 to 50 hogs are thought to be roaming in the vicinity of Big Stone Lake 11 miles north of Ortonville. They are thought to be of the pot-bellied variety that can reach weights of up to 300 pounds.
“Our primary concern is that these feral hogs have the potential of transmitting diseases such as pseudo-rabies and swine brucelloris to domestic hog, horse or cattle operations,” Vacek said. “They can also damage crops, destroy native prairies and impact local wildlife.”
The DNR hopes to locate the animals and then trap and remove them. The public is asked not to disturb the hogs as that could cause them to disperse and possibly expand their range. Reports of hog sightings should be directed to Vacek at 320-752-4394.
How did they just appear there?
