Anyone with a valid hunting license or concealed pistol permit can now shoot feral swine in Michigan under legislation signed into law by the governor, Rep. Sharon Tyler, R-Niles, announced recently.

Public Act 70 of 2010, Tyler’s first bill signed into law, allows feral swine to be killed on public land or on private land with the landowner’s permission. It also prohibits farmers from allowing swine livestock to graze on state-owned land.

“Feral pigs are a destructive invasive species that represent a clear and present danger to Michigan’s important agriculture industry,” Tyler said. “The wild pigs are damaging crops and jeopardizing the livelihoods of farmers. The new law will help eliminate feral swine, and protect Michigan farmers and other residents.”

Feral swine travel in packs, are aggressive, carry disease and cause serious erosion to river banks. It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 feral swine in Michigan. They can grow to more than 600 pounds and 5 feet long.