BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Commission on Tuesday approved the destruction and removal of about 75 feral swine which currently populate Bicentennial Park grounds near Stockton and present a danger to the public, according to Nick Warren, a Baldwin County Archives Department staffer in charge of park development.

The swine are causing damage to the park, including destruction of vegetation and topographical features, all of which cause erosion-related problems, Warren said.

“In addition, feral swine pose a risk to public health and safety,” Warren said. “That risk will become greater when the park is open for use and enjoyment by the general public.”

According to the proposal, two area men, Joey Flowers and Ricky Reynolds, may be contracted for removal and possession of the carcasses at no charge to the county except a $1,000 liability insurance policy. A contract is expected to be signed Friday.

Warren said the population has increased recently due to hunting north and south of the park and elevated water levels at the park.

“We cleared the underbrush and they are staying in the wetlands in the day where it’s cool and come out at night.

“This will be an on-going program. We are not out to eradicate the swine. People need to learn about the wetlands and swine are a part of that. We just want to manage the population in the park for safety reasons.”

Warren said people and wild hogs are “not a good mix.” The animals have poor eyesight and some have large tusks. Anyone who comes near newborn swine are at risk of being attacked by the sow.

State law forbids trapping and removal of feral swine, but not destruction and removal, according to Charles Sharp, a game and fish district supervisor for the Alabama Department of Conservation.

“A lot of people have taken it on themselves to trap and move them and we have arrested a lot of them,” Sharp said.

Relocating the swine presents the potential for farmers’ crop damage and food competition for deer, turkey and other wildlife.

Sharp also said the animals are prolific breeders, capable of reproducing at six months. Multiple litters per year are not unusual.

They have no predators once they near maturity. Sharp said they are not generally aggressive towards humans, but will defend their brood and will attack if they feel threatened.

“They are like deer or snakes or any number of wild animals in that regard,” Sharp said.

Swine are non-native descendants of domestic stock brought to the Southeast centuries ago by Spanish explorers, according to the ADC website. Boars may reach 450 pounds with tusks 3- to-5 inches, while sows range from 100 to 300 pounds with relatively small tusks.