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[clhw AT InfoAve.Net (clhw)]

We've discovered a group of feral hogs in the area and are trying to decide
what to do about them. They are inhabiting a patch of kudzu where the deer
ordinarily graze also. We don't eat pork but there are plenty of people
around who would love to hunt these critters down and will eat them as
well.

These hogs can get really big and are a danger. One of our neighbors heard
her dogs upset about 6 months ago and went in her back yard to investigate.
She heard a noise behind her, whirled around and there was a hog she
estimated to be about 300 pounds, complete with tusks, between herself and
the house. While she was still trying to decide what to do since she had no
weapon nor a cell phone to call for help, and she was edging toward a shed,
one of the dogs rushed the hog who turned and ran rather than fight.

Some people think these are indigenous hogs and others think they are
escapees from domestic hogs. They don't really look like either. I think
they are probably a cross from descriptions I've heard. With these and the
large cats (probably puma) reported in the area, including about 6 reports
of sightings on our property, we're a little scared to go on long walks in
the woods....