Feral swine are a highly destructive invasive species across North America, causing extensive damage to property, agriculture, natural resources, and public safety. They also pose significant risks to livestock and human health through disease transmission. Once established, feral swine are challenging to manage, underscoring the importance of prevention and rapid removal of new populations.
The Squeal on Pigs! project addresses these challenges with a user-friendly mobile app and web-based reporting system. Developed in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health and powered by EDDMapS, the tool enables the public to report sightings with images and location data. This vital information helps wildlife managers swiftly address small or newly introduced populations, minimizing ecological and economic impacts.
In addition, the USDA is researching the role of feral swine wallows in spreading soil and aquatic pathogens, vectors, and diseases within ecosystems. The Squeal on Pigs! tool supports this research by collecting data on the appearance and health of the animals, aiding in the early detection of disease threats to agriculture and the environment.
The project also offers a media toolkit with standardized branding, enabling wildlife managers to integrate the initiative’s messaging into their outreach efforts. Organizations can join the fight against feral swine by signing up at www.squealonpigs.com to access reports and media resources. Together, we can stop feral swine and protect our ecosystems!