This is just in from the state Game Commission:
At the unanimous direction of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners, and in response to a recent state Supreme Court ruling, Carl G. Roe, agency executive director, today issued an order removing protection on feral swine in 64 of the state’s 67 counties. Counties where protection remains in effect are Butler, Bedford and Cambria counties.
“We are maintaining protection on feral swine in Butler, Bedford and Cambria counties to facilitate trapping by the U.S. and Pennsylvania departments of Agriculture,” Roe said. “Trapping is the most effective way to remove feral swine from the wild, because it limits their dispersal into new areas. If funding is not available for trapping, we may consider lifting protection in these three counties, as well.
“The Game Commission has determined that the eradication of feral swine from Pennsylvania is necessary to prevent further harm to public and private property, threats to native wildlife and disease risks for wildlife and the state’s pork industry. We are not seeking to establish a hunting season, but we are committed to rid Pennsylvania of this invasive species.”
Roe noted that the Game Commission has launched a “Feral Swine” section on its website that includes links to the executive order and a map delineating the counties in which feral swine may be taken incidental to other hunting seasons.