100 Feral Pigs Are Now Helping Montana Families Facing Hunger

Feral Pigs Unexpectedly Step In To Help Feed Montanans

With the shutdown continuing and the end of SNAP benefits just days away, food banks in Montana are gearing up for an increase of those in need.

Thankfully they're about to get some help thanks to some feral pigs.

Feral Pig Discovery In Phillips County Surprises Wildlife Officials

Wildlife Services, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was called to Phillips County late last month to investigate a potential bear conflict.

While they didn't find a bear, they did, however, find hoof prints, pig scat, and other signs that led them to believe there were feral pigs in the area.

Wildlife Services then tipped off the Montana Department of Livestock about their findings, and according to a press release, the Department of Livestock found 100 pigs that were running loose and “beginning to demonstrate behaviors and characteristics consistent with feral swine populations.”

Producer Partnership Turns Feral Pigs Into Meals For Food Banks

The pigs had become feral due to a death in the family that owned the pigs, Montana State Veterinarian Tahnee Szymanski told the Montana Free Press.

On October 18th, the first of these 100 feral pigs arrived at Producer Partnership, which is a non-profit animal processing plant that works with agricultural producers that donate livestock.

Producer Partnership then takes the donated livestock and turns it into food for food banks, schools, and other nonprofits.

Producer Partnership president and founder Matt Pierson estimates that the Montana Food Bank Network will be receiving between 8,000 and 14,000 pounds of pork.

Source: Montana Free Press