Feral Pigs in Kaimuki

There were reports of a feral pig that found its way into the Kaimuki District.  What I wanted to do was confirm that rumor along with getting a nice crown picture for my invasive species senior project.  At first, I found nothing but circumstantial evidence.

(Possible foraging site of the pig.)

Then, on the fifteenth of February, 2012, I found the pig on the way back home from school.  

(Caught in the act.)

Now that I had captured the pig on camera, I immediately had to think about the question of why these animals were coming down from the mountains that they normally lived in.  The obvious answer was that they were either running out of food or space.  Another answer to this question is the fact that these animals are opportunistic and intelligent.  It is a distressing thought if these pigs were actively seeking out areas like Kaimuki.  It wouldn't be too far off to say that they might eventually move to the Ala Wai and then the Waikiki district.  Imagine tourists, sun, beaches, and wild hogs.  It would be quite distressing indeed.