Minnnesota wildlife officials want feedback on solutions to wild hog and mink populations

(St. Paul, MN) -- Wildlife officials in Minnesota are gathering input from local communities about some wild mammal prior to the 2023/2024 legislative session

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says several agencies are working together to review the impacts of both wild hogs and released mink populations on humans and the environment at large. The feedback, collected via surveys and online meetings, would be given to state lawmakers to guide policy decisions at the next legislative session.

A registration-required online meeting is scheduled for November 14th between 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

“This is an opportunity to proactively identify any gaps in our management,” said Leslie McInenly, wildlife populations and regulations manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “A team of subject matter experts from multiple state agencies has been meeting this fall to conduct this review.”

The MN DNR says the populations for wild hog and mink are small in across Minnesota, but states a proactive approach will further prevent damage that can be done via the two animal populations. Feral hogs are known to cause concerns to agricultural communities and heavily impact native species and ecosystems. Wild or released mink are seeing concern from wildlife officials because of their ability to carry diseases that often impact humans, like COVID-19.

“This review is an opportunity to ensure the state of Minnesota has the necessary policies and structures in place to respond to any environmental, animal health or public health concerns related to feral pigs or mink,” McInenly said. “State agencies have a history of collaboration with each other on these sorts of topics, as well as collaboration with partners such as the United States Department of Agriculture.”

You can find more information about the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources request for feedback by clicking here.