Feral Pigs are the next new invader to encroach on Montana’s borders. Saving our bacon will be no easy task. These “Pigs” destroy habitat, spread diseases, eat fawns and gamebirds, destroy nests, and devastate crops. So, who is to blame?

I guess we need to blame the Spaniards! Back in the day, Spanish explorers brought the pigs to the new world along with starlings, horses, Venereal Diseases, and Dandelions! Some of the invasions were intentional, others were not. They figured because they had them in Spain, what would be the harm?

There is a long list of Illegal Aliens in Montana. Pheasants were introduced from China, Rainbow trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout are all from other places. Smallmouth Bass are from back east. Historically, walleyes and pike were not a part of Montana. Some fishermen will argue otherwise but facts are facts.

Invasive weeds are a huge issue. The original prairie grasses that the Buffalo fed upon are almost gone. They have been destroyed and replaced by other weeds, and plants. Dandelions were a European crop that was used in salads, stews, and wine. It was brought to the New World as a food stuff and since they spread by airborne seeds, are everywhere now.

Florida is infested with iguanas, pythons, nutria, and other introduced critters. A snake breeding and research plant near the everglades, was destroyed in a hurricane. 1,000 pythons were released accidently. The population now exceeds 350,000 in less than 10 years. The snakes are adapting and migrating.

Throw in African Bees, Zebra Mussels, and CWD, Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Lyme’s Disease, Nile Flu…

The responsible people that first did the deeds are long gone. Kinda like the mining industry! They did not know what the outcomes would be. Montana seems to becoming a Sanctuary State!

Beam them up Scotty!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, migrate to him at www.montanagrantfishing.com.