Wild Boars Cause Damage at California School

A recent invasion of wild boars at Geyserville New Tech Academy in Sonoma County, California, has caused over $150,000 in damage, tearing up the school's grounds and destroying irrigation systems. Superintendent Deborah Bertolucci initially mistook the destruction for maintenance work before realizing it was caused by six wild pigs, including two adults and four juveniles. Despite erecting a $50,000 chain-link fence to deter the pigs, they continued to wreak havoc on other parts of the campus, including a school garden designed to attract pollinators. The wild pig population in California has surged, with feral hogs now found in 56 out of 58 counties, posing ongoing challenges for local schools and communities. Bertolucci has engaged students in finding solutions to the pig problem, emphasizing the need to keep the school's environment welcoming while protecting it from further damage. The history of wild pigs in California dates back to the 1700s when domestic pigs were introduced, leading to the current hybrid breeds that can weigh up to 400 pounds.