Wild boars spotted in NE Connecticut

Thompson, Conn (WTNH) - Wild boars have been spotted in the northeastern corner of the state.

The pigs have moved into Thompson, part of Connecticut's quiet corner, and they come armed with tusks and some destructive habits.

The superintendent of schools says their ball fields have been torn up by a pig searching for food. The groundskeeper for the Thompson schools captured pictures of the black pig in the woods right behind the baseball field.

"Basically our understanding is that the pig likes to eat the grubs, and we have grubs on the baseball field, so that creates holes," said Dr. Michael Jolin, Superintendent of Thompson Schools.

Jolin says so far there is just minor damage, but it could get worse, especially with other sightings of sometimes two wild boars.

A few years ago damage was done to an East Lyme front yard after a pack of pigs escaped from a nearby farm. It was completely torn up within minutes.

"I actually think it's pretty cool how we can have wild animals come and be able to see them and stuff," said Tourtellotte High School Freshman Jasmie Falke.

"You don't expect pigs to be around this area, especially wild pigs right? I'm sure they're wild pigs," said Gordon Rohr from Thompson.

"Certainly just historical rumor, I've heard that 40-50 years ago that there were many of these types of animals in the area, so we're not sure, but it could be a remnant of the past," Jolin said.

For now, workers use a large roller to try to keep anyone from twisting an ankle on the divots. Eventually they hope to relocate the pig, and they're relying on experts for that.

"So far he hasn't been antagonistic at all. He just goes about his business and so far so good," said Jolin.

One way the groundskeeper may be able to help capture this pig is if he sees the pig come onto the field he can just close off the snow fences and some of the other openings in the fence to pen him in.