August 24, 2022 - SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly has approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would help control the state’s growing wild pig population, reducing damage caused by the invasive species to the environment, private property and agriculture.

“I appreciate my fellow lawmakers for bringing us a step closer to controlling this destructive, non-native wild pig population, which is exploding across California,” Sen. Dodd said. “They are endangering sensitive habitats, farms and other animals. By increasing opportunities to hunt them we can reduce the threat to our state.”

California’s wild pig population has soared since various non-native boar and pig breeds were introduced centuries ago. They now can be found in 56 of the 58 counties. Numerous environmental and public health problems are associated with pigs and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allows year-round pig hunting. Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 856, would lift remaining hunting restrictions allowing for better population control and habitat management.

SB 856 has support from wildlife officials and farmers, among other groups. It passed the Assembly with overwhelming support and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature following a Senate concurrence vote.

“I applaud Sen. Dodd’s tireless effort to get SB856 through the Assembly,” said Eric Sklar, member of the California Fish and Game Commission. “He worked diligently with all stakeholders to find common ground and the bill reflects that. If enacted, this bill will begin to tackle the scourge of feral pigs.”

Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.
Source: Senator Bill Dodd   Photo credit: CDFW