PERU, N.Y. -
Environmental officials believe they are close to eliminating a pack of wild hogs in Clinton County.
At one point, nearly two dozen wild hogs were living around a farm in Peru after they escaped from captivity. The Department of Environmental Conservation now believes the number is around six.
About half the population was either trapped or shot by hunters. Another six were hit by cars. Wild hogs destroy ecosystems, crops and have been known to attack humans. The animals weigh several hundred pounds.
Wildlife officials are optimistic the situation is under control and they hope to have all of the animals removed from the area soon.
"We have a lot of game cameras out on the landscape. Some are baited, some are just random. And so those ideas come from the cameras, from the pigs movements and numbers," said Ben Tabor of the N.Y. DEC.
Wildlife officials say they have unconfirmed reports of wild hogs in the Malone area. Anyone who thinks they see the pigs in Clinton or Franklin County should call the DEC immediately.
