When Wungong resident Roslyn Hackshaw woke up on the morning of October 31 she was surprised to find feral pigs had supposedly uprooted her garden overnight.
After speaking to her neighbour who had seen pigs and found footprints on her own property the same morning, Ms Hackshaw said she was surprised to have made the discovery.
“This is the first time in several years there has been feral pig activity,” she said.
While there are no figures on the number of feral pigs in WA according to the Department of Agricultural and Food, the animals are destroying native flora and fauna, contributing to soil erosion, the spread of dieback and impacting water quality in water catchments.
Ms Hackshaw said it was unusual for feral pigs to be out at her property this time of year.
“I’ve never seen them around this time of year, it’s usually towards the end of March,” she said.
“I hope they don’t damage the fence because I don’t want my horse to get out.”
Mr Hackshaw said she had contacted the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for assistance but was told they had o current plans to assist with feral pigs.
Shire president John Erren said feral pigs were a known and declared species in all crown land throughout the state but the shire did not control feral pigs unless they were on reserve land the shire managed.
“It is strongly advisable to remain clear of feral pigs in parklands and forest areas,” he said.
“Boars are naturally aggressive and sows and piglets are protective and aggressive.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture and Food said that under the Biosecurity Agriculture Management Act (2007) feral pigs were the responsibility of the landholder and due to the migratory nature of them, landholders were encouraged to work together with the community groups and local government agencies to mitigate the impact of the pest.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife said feral pigs were not a danger to humans but once caught were shot as part of a feral pigs control program.
