The Niles Star

Tyler feral swine legislation approved

With feral swine running loose and damaging crops in more than 60 counties across the state, lawmakers in the House approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Sharon Tyler, R-Niles, making it legal for anyone with a valid hunting license or concealed pistol permit to kill the animals on sight.

Tyler’s legislation allows feral swine to be killed on public land or on private land with the landowner’s permission. It also prohibits farmers from allowing swine livestock to graze on state-owned land.

“The feral swine problem has been getting progressively worse,” Tyler said. “We need to deal with this problem now so we can protect our agriculture industry from further crop damage and protect livestock from the diseases wild hogs carry.”

Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry.

Feral swine can grow to more than 600 pounds and five feet long. They travel in packs, are aggressive, carry disease and cause serious erosion to riverbanks.  It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 feral swine in Michigan.

Tyler’s legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.