Wild hogs expected eventually in Dona Ana County

Photo by rmaum 

Alamogordo Daily News - Wild hogs are likely on their way to Dona Ana County as the animals continue to spread across parts of New Mexico, federal officials said. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports ( http://bit.ly/IqZwbP) that the animals have spread from two New Mexico counties seven years ago to 17 today and are present along the Rio Grande in neighboring Sierra County. They travel along the river because it's a source of water. Alan May, state director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, said feral pigs have been spreading mostly in eastern New Mexico counties. But somehow, likely because humans transported them, they've reached the Rio Grande basin. They've got a presence in Sierra, Socorro and Valencia counties, too. The animals, a cross between domestic pigs and Eurasian hogs introduced by hunters into the U.S., can reach up to 250 or 300 pounds. They breed prolifically, travel in groups of about 10 to 15 and are difficult to eradicate. "These guys are really bad news in New Mexico," he said. "Feral hogs are absolutely an environmental and ecological disaster. There will be a lot of property damage and probably some disease issues." Feral pigs are likely to reach Dona Ana County first at the Garfield and Hatch area. That area's economic base is farming, and many farmers rely on buried, drip irrigation systems. Read More News New Mexico 

Wild hogs expected eventually in Dona Ana County