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Miami Herald
a day ago
- General
- Miami Herald
‘They eat everything': Wild pigs increase around the Bay Area, causing headaches for homeowners, parks and water agencies
The wildlife you see on your next hiking trip? The rustle in your backyard at night? It might not be a raccoon or a deer. A steady increase in the population of wild pigs - a marauding, non-native animal that can grow sharp tusks and weigh 250 pounds or more - is causing growing problems for parks, water districts and homeowners across the Bay Area. The hogs wallow in streams, dig up lawns and gardens, eat endangered plants and animals and occasionally charge at people. They carry diseases like swine fever and can spread pathogens like E. coli to crops in farm fields. "We've seen the impacts increasing," said Doug Bell, wildlife program manager at the East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland. "They are omnivores. They vacuum up California quail, Alameda whipsnakes and other wildlife. They eat everything. They'll come in and destroy lawns and all your landscaping overnight. Sometimes people can be hurt by them. We had a hiker who was run over by a wild boar and injured her leg. A firefighter was knocked down by one in 2020. They can be frightening." Hoping to slow the spread of the ravenous razorbacks, several large public land agencies are expanding their efforts to trap and kill the animals. Last month, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, an agency in San Jose that has preserved 30,000 acres of land for hiking, biking, horse riding and wildlife, approved spending $243,000 to hire a contractor, Full Boar Trapping and Wildlife Control, based in Contra Costa County, to trap and shoot wild pigs over the next three years on its properties. Typically, trappers set up circular net pens and bait them with fermented corn. The pigs enter and can't get out. Sometimes temporary metal corrals are used, with gates that can be observed on video cameras and closed remotely. Trappers also use smaller cage traps. Because it's illegal in California to release trapped wild animals elsewhere, the pigs are shot and often taken to landfills or rendering plants. "We are seeing a lot more pig damage," said Aaron Hébert, natural resources manager with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. "Trying to control the population and not just trying to haze them is now part of the strategy." Domestic pigs first came to California in 1769 with Spanish explorers. But things went hog wild starting in 1924. That's when George Gordon Moore, an eccentric Canadian millionaire, purchased Rancho San Carlos, a 22,000-acre ranch in Carmel Valley. He held polo matches and hosted lavish parties with movie stars and wealthy Jazz Age captains of industry. To hunt with guests, he introduced Russian boars. Not surprisingly, some escaped. They bred with local pigs and spread far and wide. Now they are in 56 of California's 58 counties. The animals are legal for sport hunters to shoot, like deer or ducks. Last year, 3,327 wild pigs were reported killed by hunters in California, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. But their population keeps growing. Females can have up to two litters per year, with as many as 10 piglets per litter. There aren't exact population totals. But from 2013 to 2017, 489 pigs a year on average were killed by the East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and state parks in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, according to a study by East Bay Parks. That number doubled to 944 between 2018 and 2022. In December, East Bay Parks published a plan it compiled with other agencies to do more. The study showed that the animals, found commonly around Mount Diablo, Calaveras Reservoir and the Dublin Hills, would grow tenfold without a hunting and trapping program. It recommended agencies work together to use drones with thermal imaging to track the pigs at night, fit some with GPS collars, put fencing around sensitive areas - although that can cost $20,000 a mile and block other wild animals - collect better data, and enlist the public's help through a hotline or website to report sightings. "We are trying to go from being reactive to proactive in the wider region," Bell said. In the South Bay, the Santa Clara Valley Water District in December signed a five-year, $125,000 contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to trap and kill wild pigs on land it owns at Anderson Reservoir and Coyote Ridge east of San Jose. After the water district drained Anderson Reservoir in 2020 to replace its aging dam for earthquake safety, wild pigs began coming out of the Diablo Range. They would walk across the dry lake bed, and wreck lawns in the Holiday Lake Estates neighborhood and other residential areas between San Jose and Morgan Hill. "In some cases, there are 25 or more pigs at a time," said Sean Mulligan, a Holiday Lake Estates resident. "They are doing damage. People are building fences. They are causing hillside erosion, digging into lawns." For several years, water district officials told angry residents there was nothing they could do. The residents got a lawyer and argued the district was violating the California Environmental Quality Act by not dealing with the problem as part of the dam project. "We didn't have any activity until they drained the lake," Mulligan said. "Then the pigs started showing up." Since January, trappers have killed 24 wild pigs around Anderson Reservoir and at nearby Coyote Ridge, said John Bourgeois, a deputy operating officer of the district, "This is an effort to be a good neighbor," he said. "It's been in the works for a while." Multiple land managers said three wet winters in a row in Northern California have caused an increase in grasses, acorns and other food for wild pigs, which is believed to be why their numbers are growing steadily. "We do get complaints," said Bell, of East Bay Parks. "People will call up and say, 'Your pigs are destroying our property.' When 10 or 20 run through a neighborhood, it can be kind of frightening if you have small children and pets. We respond to that and increase trapping. But it's a constant effort." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bellingham trail to close months-long for fish ladder project
A portion of Interurban Trail in Bellingham will close for several months while the city removes two fish passage barriers along Padden Creek. The city says removing these barriers will make the crossings 100% passable for fish, including Chinook, coho, and chum salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout, as well as resident fish species. The closure will be between 12th and 14th streets south of Old Fairhaven Parkway. Trail users will likely be detoured around the trail between 10th Street and Fairhaven Park during construction. City Council members unanimously approved a construction contract on May 19 for the $4.3 million project. According to the Public Works Department, a grant from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is paying for a good portion of the design and construction. The construction is expected to begin in late June and wrap up in February of 2026. City officials are planning an informational open house to discuss the project on June 9 at Happy Valley Elementary School. It will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This project is part of Bellingham's overarching Fish Passage Improvement Program – something that began in 2003. 'Improving these structures is an important way to increase habitat for fish and improve overall stream function,' a memo from the city states.
Axios
20-05-2025
- Axios
Spot shrimp season hits Seattle — but blink and you'll miss it
A fleet of small boats on Elliott Bay on Wednesday is a sign that Seattle's short but oh-so-sweet spot shrimp season is on. Why it matters: It's so popular — and the delicacy so limited — that the shrimping season is down to just four hours in Seattle, as the state works to prevent overharvesting and to protect future hauls. Driving the news: Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is opening the 2025 recreational spot shrimp season in select marine areas across Puget Sound on Wednesday while keeping others closed due to declining populations. Shrimping will be allowed in Elliott Bay from 9am to 1pm, and it's expected to be packed, WDFW spokesperson Chase Gunnell told Axios. Additional dates may be announced later. Several marine areas, including west of Alki, Bremerton Bainbridge, Tacoma and Vashon Island and South Puget Sound, are closed completely due to low spot shrimp population, per WDFW. Other areas, like Hood Canal, Deception Pass and parts of the San Juan Islands, may see additional open dates through July. The big picture: With both the population in the region and the popularity of the sport rising, the department has to be careful of overharvesting, said WDFW biologist Don Velasquez in a statement, explaining why there are more shrimping opportunities this year in Hood Canal and Discovery Bay but fewer in central Puget Sound. Fun fact: Spot prawns are the largest shrimp in the Sound, occasionally reaching a length of 9 inches. Between the lines: The fishery is managed by WDFW and Northwest Treaty Tribes, who have rights to half the harvestable population, per WDFW. If you go: Know the rules and make sure you have a valid shellfish/seaweed license, which is required for all shrimpers age 15 and older. You can get one: Online at At a regional office; Or from hundreds of license vendors around the state. Seattle-area shrimpers should plan to arrive at boat launches several hours before the opening and be mindful of weather conditions and safe boating rules, said Gunnell. Zoom in: WDFW recommends sturdy shrimp pots with 1-inch mesh (to target adult spot shrimp) and at least 400 feet of weighted line. Don't forget a yellow buoy with your name and address. Pots can be dropped an hour before the fishery opens. Set your gear well away from ferry lanes — or risk having it confiscated. Reality check: Can't catch your own? You can often find fresh or frozen spot shrimp at local seafood markets or occasionally directly from commercial fishers at marinas like Ballard's Fishermen's Terminal.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA governor signs hunting, fishing fee increases into law; Discover Pass price also rising
May 19—Washington hunters and anglers will pay more money for their licenses starting this summer. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Saturday signed a new law that raises fees for nearly all hunting and fishing licenses by close to 40%. Under the law, an annual resident combination fishing license will now cost $62.79. A big game hunting license that includes deer, elk, bear and cougar tags would cost a resident $117.30. For nonresidents, the combination fishing license will cost just under $150 and the big game license will be just over $1,000. The law goes into effect July 1. It's the first time hunting and fishing fees have increased since 2011. While the new fees are expected to bring in more revenue for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, officials have said it won't result in a net increase in its budget because of expected cuts to the agency's share of the state general fund. Most state agencies are facing cuts as part of the budget lawmakers sent to the governor this spring as they tried to manage a statewide budget shortfall. License price hikes will help stave off deeper cuts for WDFW, but officials are still bracing for major changes, including cuts to several work programs and possible staff reductions. Staci Lehman, a WDFW spokesperson, said agency officials are still working out many of the details of those cuts. Also on Saturday, Ferguson signed a bill increasing the cost of a Discover Pass from $30 to to $45 starting Oct. 1. The pass is required for vehicle access to state parks and oither state managed properties. Its price hasn't been increased since the pass was put in place in 2011. Most of the proceeds from the Discover Pass go toward Washington State Parks and make up a significant portion of the agency's budget. Smaller amounts go to WDFW and the Department of Natural Resources. Ferguson vetoed a section of the Discover Pass bill that would have ordered a work group to study funding mechanisms for the three agencies. In a letter explaining the veto, Ferguson wrote that the effort risked diverting limited funding from other important work at the three agencies. Similar to WDFW, Washington State Parks officials don't expect the price increase to provide a singificant boost to the agency's budget because of cuts in its general fund appropriations.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Touch a Truck event supports Ephrata Food Bank
May 19—EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department's annual "Touch a Truck" event Saturday drew a crowd despite early rain showers, as community members visited the Splash Zone parking lot to engage with a variety of large vehicles. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., served as both a fun outing for families and a fundraiser for the Ephrata Food Bank. Fire Chief Jeremy Burns said he was satisfied with the turnout. "I was a little worried that attendance wouldn't be as high this year with the weather that we had this morning, but it exceeded my expectations greatly," Burns said. "It takes a lot of agencies to commit their time, people and equipment to this event, and seeing the community come out is always rewarding." The participation of various local agencies contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. "We had the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Ephrata Police Department, and numerous fire districts, including Grant County Fire Districts 3, 7 and 13," Burns said. "It's a great collaborative effort that truly showcases the strength of our community." While the event's primary goal is to allow children and families to explore emergency vehicles up close, it also played a crucial role in supporting the Ephrata Food Bank this year. "Every bit helps the food bank, and our Firefighters Association often matches the monetary donations we receive," Burns said. "Today, we've also had school district partners collecting supplies, which has been great." The food bank, a resource for families facing food insecurity in the Ephrata community, struggles with dwindling supplies amid increased demand. Director Phyllis Fuglie shared the challenges the food bank currently faces. "We could traditionally provide two types of meat per family, but now we are down to one. The need is significant, and we are calling on the community for donations, particularly for protein-rich foods, canned goods, and essentials," she said in a recent interview. The relationship between the food bank and community events like "Touch a Truck" is critical, according to Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim. "We support the food bank wholeheartedly. It's a great program that is always in need," Reim said. "Events like this play an essential role in making sure the community understands the importance of supporting local resources. It is also fun to see all of the kids enjoying themselves. This is one of our best events every year." Despite the earlier adverse weather conditions, the turnout was impressive, reaching an estimated 2,500 attendees, according to Burns. "It's always good to see the interaction between families and young kids enjoying the vehicles," Burns said. "It's exciting to witness how many people take the time to come out and appreciate our emergency services." For families, the event is both entertaining and educational. In addition to being able to touch a variety of trucks, attendees participated in activities like temporary tattoos and fire prevention information tables. A dedicated sensory-sensitive hour provided a more comfortable environment for children with sensory processing challenges, enabling them to enjoy the festivities without overwhelming stimuli. Burns reflected on the event's history and growth over the years. "We've been hosting Touch a Truck for about a decade now, and it always reinforces the spirit of the community," Burns said. "It's remarkable to see everyone converge here for a common purpose: to learn and to help those in need." The success of "Touch a Truck" relies on community participation and support, which for Ephrata continues to grow year after year. "It just keeps getting bigger and bigger by leaps and bounds," Reim said. "We're thrilled with the growth and the involvement of outside organizations." As the day concluded, hopes remained high for the future of both the event and the Ephrata Food Bank. The community's generous donations are more crucial than ever, ensuring that the food bank can continue to meet the needs of families in the area. With hands-on learning opportunities and joyous interactions among attendees, "Touch a Truck" positively impacts the Ephrata community beyond the day itself. Those wishing to help the Ephrata Food Bank can drop off donations during Mondays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. or involve themselves in ongoing events that benefit local families in need. Ephrata Food Bank 1010 A St. SE 509-754-5772 Monday and Thursday 2-4 p.m. Biggest needs: Protein: meat, peanut butter, protein bars, nuts, beans Pasta Soups Microwavable meals Fresh produce All food donations or cash welcomed and appreciated.
