Feral swine eliminated from Colorado

State and federal officials have announced the eradication of feral swine in Colorado, according to a press release. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS), the USDA Forest Service (FS), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) have been working together to eradicate feral pigs (Sus scrofa) from the state for about 15 years. The invasive animals can spread disease and destroy habitats for native wildlife. They also cause billions of damage every year by destroying crops and pastures. The state’s feral swine task force will continue monitoring efforts to keep pigs out of Colorado. “The eradication of feral swine will help protect and benefit Colorado’s agricultural crops and livestock as well as wildlife, wildlife habitat and private and public lands,” said Travis Black, Deputy Regional Manager of CPW’s Southeast Region.

Read more at Colorado Parks and Wildlife.