Posted on 12/24/2010 3:01:34 PM PST by decimon
Wild boars roam the oak forests and shrublands of Europe, Asia and north Africa. These large, bristly haired pigs are the ancestors of our farmyard pigs which have been domesticated for thousands of years. Their four, continually growing tusks are kept sharp for fighting off other males during the breeding season. Injuries inflicted can be severe, especially after a powerful charge.
French farmers and forestry experts are at a loss to explain a dramatic rise in the numbers of wild boar, apparently linked to increased fertility among the female animals.
Last winter, hunters across the country killed a record 560,000 boar - 10 times more than they were shooting 30 years ago.
But the population is easily replacing itself, and now stands at well over a million.
The problem is not just that the animals cause severe damage to crops and meadowland.
They are also beginning to encroach on areas inhabited by humans. Omnivorous, adaptable and highly mobile, wild boar have been increasingly spotted in town streets and gardens in recent years.
In 2009, they were responsible for nearly 21,000 road accidents across the country. Neighbouring countries including Germany and Italy reported similar problems. Now it is up to the hunters to keep the wild boar population under control
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
When my tank unit went to Grafenwohr we would have them running between cots in the tents on the firing ranges while we were sleeping. Turn on a flashlight and all cain would break loose as they rushed out!
Yep, those were the days, freezing a** in Graf and Hoenfels. I was in Armor also, M48A1s and after the Summer of 1961, M60s.
Mid 70s here, M60A1s.
As I said, a omnivore is a carnivore - when the opportunity presents...
And/or a decrease in predation or disease, etc.
BTW, I once had a 9422 XTR, sweet little rifle. I hocked it when my son was born ‘cause I needed cash. Never did get it back. Goes in my top 10 list of stupid things I did.
Merry Christmas!
I’d like to find a place up around Amarillo, that wouldn’t be too far to drive to kill a pig. Would be a hoot!
Merry Christmas!
I read they all have to be tested now for radiation because some of the boars originate and then emmigrate from Russia and I guess they picked up the radiation from the big leak and now they are showing up in Germany.
Yeah, I'm with you. People give me bear, other game. I get grossed out.
I rather my meat should come shrink wrapped and cut up by Perdue.
In defense of eating scavengers, I'm ready to do my part ridding the world of lobsters.
HEY!
Heh, bag two or three, dress the out, trade with a neighbor for nice brandy or what have you..not sure how many country fellas are left in France but some apple brandy for a reduced to possession wild boar.
I believe boars and hogs have up to 3 litters per yr.
I'll bring buddah.
I think that's how Ricky Martin got in trouble.
You’re a bad bad man.
“I know they dont taste like chicken...Gimme a clue....”
I have hunted and eaten wild boar from Texas and California. It is some of the most delicious pork that I have had. It is a little more chewy, and is very lean. It also has an excellent flavor.
A Mettigel (raw ground pork formed into the shape of a hedgehog - guess because it looks cute; served with onion on breadroll halves, usually):
Pork is screened for trichinosis before being marketed. Of course, nothing is 100% safe.
Hmm. Lynx are a protected species in Washington. Off hand I don’t don’t know where you can legally hunt them in the USA. Perhaps in Canada. Where was it taken?
Pigs? I think you mean wild hogs.
Yes, we've got 'em in North Texas. I live at the end of rural road and several times hunters have rolled up and asked if they could go through my place go get to the countryside where the wild hogs are.
I was chased up a tree by one on Cumberland Island in Georgia. Dicey moment there. All I had was a 3 inch knife.
/johnny
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.