Bartin Irwin: Million Dollar pig hunt would help eradicate feral problem

The revelation that wild pics are roaming the streets of suburban Leanyer should come as no surprise, and is just another reason for a Million Dollar Pig hunt, writes Bart Irwin.

The revelation that wild pigs are roaming the streets of suburban Leanyer should come as no surprise.

The suburb is bordered by swampland, in close proximity to the dump, sewerage treatment works and Holmes Jungle Nature Park: perfect feral pig habitat.

The issue here is the danger that these feral pigs pose to residents. Wild pig attacks are not uncommon, but in most cases pigs would flee when confronted by humans. These did not, nor were they alarmed by dogs barking at them.

The feral pig population in Australia is huge – estimated to be up to 23 million. The Top End would be host to many millions.

Recently Batchelor and Adelaide rivers townships have encountered mobs of pigs roaming streets and gardens.

A local resident was shocked by four wild pigs roaming the suburban streets of Leanyer. Picture: Supplied.

Roper Gulf Regional Council has eliminated the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis in the Numbulwar and Ngukurr communities by removing feral pigs from the area.

Feral pigs wandering in and out of communities have posed a severe threat to the region’s population as a “reservoir” for the virus. This threat is now apparent for Darwin residents as well.

Free vaccine is available for eligible people who live or work in known areas of contact.

See here for further details.

It’s time the NT government put up a million-dollar pig hunting competition on Parks and Wildlife reserves and other crown land to help eliminate these carriers of deadly disease. The environment would benefit hugely from such an initiative, as would regional tourism including the NT economy.

Clay target shooting practice continues at NT Field and Game every Friday from 4pm and Sunday from 9am till noon. Experience shooting targets coming off the tallest tower in the NT to simulate goose hunting. All welcome.