BY RICK PLUTA
Capital Bureau Chief, Michigan Public Radio Network
An order from the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment gives Legislature until early July to create rules covering wild boar hunting ranches and breeding farms.
If state lawmakers don't act by then, feral swine will be banned in the state as an invasive species.
Mary Dettloff is with the Michigan DNRE.
"These animals are a huge disease threat not only to wildlife, but to humans as well. They're also causing great deal of environmental and ecological damage on our forestlands, our farms and on private propert. So we hope that this is something the Legislature can address soon," Dettloff said.
She said there are already thousands of wild boar and feral pigs roaming Michigan. They are prolific breeders, and can grow to weigh hundreds of pounds.
State law already allows anyone with a hunting license or a concealed weapon permit to shoot a wild boar on sight.
For more information on Feral swine, click here.
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