Hogzilla: Domestic Pig Reversion to Wild Boar in Georgia

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of domestic pigs reverting to wild boar traits, specifically in the context of the Hogzilla case in Georgia. Participants explore the genetic and biological implications of this reversion, as well as the claims made about the size and characteristics of Hogzilla.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the claims regarding the rapid reversion of domestic pigs to wild traits, particularly the assertion that domestic pigs can completely revert to wild boar characteristics within a single generation.
  • There is curiosity about the genetic mechanisms that allow domestic pigs to exhibit wild traits, such as hair growth and snout elongation, after escaping into the wild.
  • One participant notes the lack of a known limit to the size of hogs, drawing a parallel to ligers, and questions whether hogs lack a size-limiting gene.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the exaggerated size claims associated with Hogzilla, suggesting that initial reports may have been based on anecdotal evidence rather than accurate measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the remarkable adaptability of domestic pigs to wild environments, but there is no consensus on the specifics of genetic reversion or the accuracy of size claims related to Hogzilla.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the genetic differences between domestic pigs and wild boars, as well as the biological processes involved in the observed rapid adaptation. The discussion reflects a mix of curiosity and skepticism about the claims made in media representations.

Integral
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Last summer I missed the first incarnation of this story. Hogzilla is a huge wild boar/domestic pig cross shot in Georgia in July 2004. Last night I watched a National Geographic Channel show where they dug this big boy up. They exaggerated the size, he was ONLY 8.5ft (2.6m) long and ~800lb (360kg)

My question is this. Some pretty extraordinary claims were made about the reversion of domestic pigs to the wild. They said that if a domestic pig escapes to the wild, within a year or so it will begin to grow hair and its snout will begin to elongate. Its offspring will completely revert to being a wild boar. They did genetic testing on the remains of Hogzilla (had only been buried 6 mos) to find that he was a domestic/ wild cross. What is the the deal with pig genetics that it can apparently change? How is it that a Domestic pig is genetically different from a wild boar, but will very rapidly assume the traits of one when it enters the wild environment?

Can anybody shed any light on this for me?
 
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I found this statement interesting: [approx] "There is no [known] limit to the size that one can grow a hog". Do hogs lack the gene that limits size; as do ligers, for example?

They exaggerated the size

Note that it seems that the photo released was genuine.
 
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Yes, it is, in fact it does not support the original claims of 12' and 1000lbs. I think that was wishfull thinking of a boastfull hunter. I'll bet that there were no measurments made other then "OMG that thing is huge!"

I remain amazed by the rapid ataptation and reversion of domestic pigs to a wild appearance.
 
Integral said:
I remain amazed by the rapid ataptation and reversion of domestic pigs to a wild appearance.

I was especially surprised to hear about the growing snouts. I wonder how well the biology of this was stated. It did seem like they were talking about genetic differences between domestic and wild hogs, and then stating that in one generation domestic hogs turn wild. I agree with your point. In fact...that really can't be right.
 
Now we know why one is more likely to be killed by a pig than by a shark. :biggrin:
 

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