Feral pig that stole 18 cans of beer from campsite had altercation with a cow

A booze-stealing feral pig that is wreaking havoc in the Pilbara, Western Australia has prompted a reminder for travellers at campsites and rest stops to ensure their food and alcohol is secured. It is believed the animal has drunk up to 18 cans of beer at the DeGrey River rest area, east of Port Hedland, over the past few days. Fionna Findley from Main Roads says the animal has caused a nuisance, ransacking bin bags left in the area by clean-up crews.



"They bundled up the rubbish in liners and then they attend to other rest areas nearby, and when they returned it was all ripped apart," Ms Findley said. "And when they were talking to some of the road users that were parked over for the night, I think they were camping actually, they said the pig stole their beers, drank them and then afterwards proceeded to tear apart the bin liners. We just want to remind everyone when you do pull over, make sure [your food and alcohol] is securely stored because there are a lot of animals out there that are keen for a free feed."

One camper named Merida recounted the tale told to her by fellow campers. "It was in the middle of the night and it was these people camping opposite us and they heard this crunching of the can and they got their torch out and shone it on the pig and there he was scrunching away at their cans," Merida said. "Then he went and raided their rubbish that they had sort of covered over with a bin as well. And then there was some other people camped right on the river and they saw him running around their vehicle being chased by a cow. It was going around and around and then it went into the river and swam across to the middle of the river.



"The people that were camped on the river went across and crept up on it and it was hiding and sleeping under a big log right on the edge of the water. It was sort of coming from there for a couple of days but we didn't see it this morning or last night." It was initially thought the pig stole just a six-pack, but Merida is certain it was a lot more. "It wasn't six cans, it was about 18 I believe it crunched." Main Roads is trying to locate the animal. "It was last seen near the river itself, under a tree," Ms Findley said. "I think it's nursing its head today. Our guys aren't equipped to contain or control these wild animals, especially under the influence. The guys who attended the scene said they had a chat to the guys and they were more upset the pig stole their beer."