Dawn Camp @Camp Skipping Pig
1776 Torrey Hill Rd
Java Center, NY 14082
fax: n/a
Feral pigs are also known as American Heritage Pigs. Their breeding can be variable, from farm pig/wild boar crosses to a combination of breeds including potbellies. Feral pigs are a result of domestic pigs escaping or being released and crossbreeding with already wild and free ranging pigs. Over just a few generations the short nose of the domestic breeds morphs into the long snout that distinguishes the wild pigs. The longer snout is more suitable for foraging in the wild than the short snout of a domestic pig who has no need to forage for regular meals. In many areas wild pigs have become a nuisance and are mercilessly hunted with dogs. Some are trapped and sold for meat. Others are trapped and tortured in pens by attacking dogs while entire families watch this ignorant form of "entertainment". They're called "pig/dog fights" and are common in the south. (As an aside, anyone wishing to rehome a pet pig should be aware that it may end up as a barbecue or in a pit being savaged by dogs.)
A fortunate few feral pigs are saved thru the pig sanctuaries and rescues and have proven themselves to be enjoyable and affectionate pets...as much so as the potbellies. I'm fortunate to enjoy the company of 7 ferals, some of whom were born in the wild and rescued.
Rooty is a young feral pig who arrived with the Red Wattle Hogs. He has a wonderful disposition and runs like a dog when called. He gets so excited over scratches that he whines. Rooty came up from Florida where feral pigs are considered a nuisance. Many who can't be rescued are used to train dogs for hunting. They are put into rings or pits with dogs who are encouraged to attack them. This cruel "sport" is called Pig/Dog fighting and whole families actually go to watch. I can't imagine the mentality of the people who participate in this or the others who sell pigs to be used for this purpose. Only unthinking, unfeeling humans could come up with something like this. We're fortunate to have Rooty join our group and I'm sure he'd feel the same if he realized his other possibilities. Rooty has no tail, due to a severe infection that was moving up the bone. It was likely cause by another pig or a dog attack. Amputation was necessary to save his life.
WILLOW arrived from a sanctuary in Florida. She and her siblings were born in the wild and wandered into a rescue after their mother was killed by hunters. She's a delightful, active, and very social girl who loves attention and going for walks to the pond.
Gabe, Aryn and Kaleta arrived from a Florida sanctuary. They were born to a feral pig that had been born in the wild. Their striking white faces make them very distinctive and they draw a lot of attention from people driving by. Gabe and Aryn are almost impossible to tell apart. Upon close inspection, Gabe has a small pink patch of skin along the bottom of one ear and his white face is a tad wider.
Baby Gabe Aryn, Gabe, and Kaleta
EVA is another feral pig who came up from Florida. She is a lovely silver with faint stripes that run the length of her body. She likely has a lot of potbelly blood, though her legs are long. She's not growing as tall as the other four ferals who are about the same age.
Laurel arrived January 22, 2011. She is also a feral with a lot of potbelly blood. She was born in September of 2010 after her mother was dumped at a rescue on Florida. She is a delightfully busy girl with very striking markings.
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Dawn Camp @Camp Skipping Pig
1776 Torrey Hill Rd
Java Center, NY 14082
fax: n/a